Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift Flashcard Practice

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics states that the lithosphere is made of large plates that move over the surface of the Earth.

Front

What happens at an ocean trench?

Back

At an ocean trench, older crust is destroyed as it sinks into the asthenosphere.

Front

What is a subduction zone?

Back

A subduction zone is where one oceanic plate sinks below a continental plate, often creating volcanoes.

Front

Who created the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener created the theory of continental drift.

Front

What are places where tectonic plates meet called?

Back

Places where plates meet are called boundaries.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

Continental drift is the theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain formation.