Moving Continents

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to one plate being forced below the other, often creating mountains or trenches.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the mid-ocean ridge?

Back

The mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

Where are the oldest rocks found in relation to mid-ocean ridges?

Back

The oldest rocks are found farthest from the mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What powers the Earth's tectonic movements?

Back

The Earth's core provides the heat that drives convection currents in the mantle, powering tectonic movements.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of trenches.

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate boundaries.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a massive slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere and moves over the semi-fluid asthenosphere.