Plate Motion Vocabulary

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Cross Section

Back

A drawing that reveals the layers inside an object as if it has been sliced open.

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Model

Back

An object, diagram, or computer program that helps us understand something by making it simpler or easier to see.

Front

Analyze

Back

To examine in detail for a purpose.

Front

Landform

Back

A feature that forms on the surface of a planet, such as a mountain, channel, or sand dune.

Front

Rifting

Back

The slow pulling apart of land that is caused by plate movement.

Front

Plate Tectonics

Back

The theory that explains the movement of the Earth's plates and how they interact.

Front

Subduction

Back

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

Front

Volcanism

Back

The process of eruption of molten rock (magma) from beneath the Earth's crust.

Front

Compression

Back

The process of squeezing or pressing together, often leading to the formation of mountains.

Front

Earthquake

Back

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.