Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

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What is Continental Drift?

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The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass.

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What is Plate Tectonics?

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The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

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What is a Tectonic Plate?

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A massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere.

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What is Subduction?

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The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.

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What is a Strike-Slip Fault?

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A type of fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

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What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

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Fossil distribution, geological similarities, and glacial scars found on different continents.

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What is Sea Floor Spreading?

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The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.

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What is a Convergent Boundary?

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A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, often forming mountains or causing subduction.

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What is a Divergent Boundary?

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A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

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What is the Ring of Fire?

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A major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.