Plate Tectonics (8.9A 8.9B)

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What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

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What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.

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What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates collide, often resulting in the formation of mountains or volcanic activity.

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What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of rift valleys or mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes.

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What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity.

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What are rift valleys?

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Low-lying areas that form when tectonic plates move away from each other, causing the crust to fracture and sink.

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What is a mid-ocean ridge?

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An underwater mountain range formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent plate boundaries.

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What is magma?

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Molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface that can rise to form volcanic eruptions.

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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 due to tectonic plate movements.