Geological Features

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Plate Tectonic

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A scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of Earth's lithosphere.

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Divergent Boundary

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A tectonic boundary where two plates are moving away from each other, and new crust is forming from magma that rises to the Earth's surface between the two plates.

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Convergent Boundary

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A tectonic boundary where two plates are moving toward each other, often causing one plate to slide below the other in a process known as subduction.

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Transform Boundary

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A type of boundary a place where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally on the lithosphere

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Subduction Zone

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A region of the Earth's crust where tectonic plates meet and one plate is forced under another.

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Seafloor Spreading

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The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and slowly moves away from the ridge.

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Fault line

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A fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which allows the blocks to move relative to each other.

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Ocean Basins

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Large geologic basins that are below sea level and are filled with ocean water.

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Mid-ocean Ridges

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An underwater mountain range, formed by plate tectonics, which is the site of seafloor spreading.

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Rift Valleys

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A linear-shaped lowland between several highlands or mountain ranges created by the action of a geologic rift or fault.