Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

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What is the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

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

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What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity.

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What is a Transform Boundary?

Back

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

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What is a Convergent Boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to mountain formation or subduction.

Front

What is a Divergent Boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust, such as at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is Sea Floor Spreading?

Back

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

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What is a Volcano?

Back

A vent in the Earth's crust through which lava, ash, and gases are expelled.

Front

Who proposed the theory of Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory was developed by multiple scientists, but Alfred Wegener is known for the earlier theory of Continental Drift.

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

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

Front

What causes Earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to tectonic plate movements.