Flashcards on Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift
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What is plate tectonics?
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains the movement and interaction of Earth's lithospheric plates.
Who proposed the theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century.
What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?
Evidence such as the matching coastlines, fossil records, and rock formations support the theory of plate tectonics.
How do tectonic plates move?
Tectonic plates move due to the convection currents in the underlying asthenosphere.
What are the three types of plate boundaries?
The three types of plate boundaries are divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.
What happens at a divergent plate boundary?
At a divergent plate boundary, tectonic plates move away from each other, creating new crust as magma rises to the surface.
What is a subduction zone?
A subduction zone is a region where one tectonic plate is forced underneath another plate into the mantle.
What is the theory of seafloor spreading?
The theory of seafloor spreading suggests that new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge over time.
How did Alfred Wegener support his theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener supported his theory of continental drift by providing evidence of similar fossil and rock formations on different continents.
What is Pangaea?
Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed approximately 300 million years ago, before the continents began to separate and drift apart.
What causes the movement of tectonic plates?
The movement of tectonic plates is primarily driven by the heat and convection currents in Earth's mantle.
What happens at a convergent plate boundary?
At a convergent plate boundary, tectonic plates collide or come together, resulting in the formation of mountains, volcanic activity, or subduction zones.
What is the role of plate tectonics in the formation of earthquakes?
Plate tectonics plays a significant role in the formation of earthquakes as the movement and interaction of plates can create areas of stress and strain, leading to seismic activity.
How do scientists study plate tectonics?
Scientists study plate tectonics using various techniques, such as satellite measurements, seismology, and the analysis of rock samples.
What is the significance of plate tectonics in shaping Earth's features?
Plate tectonics is significant in shaping Earth's features as it influences the formation of mountains, oceans, volcanoes, and other geological structures.
What are the major tectonic plates?
The major tectonic plates include the Pacific Plate, North American Plate, Eurasian Plate, African Plate, Antarctic Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, and South American Plate.
What is plate tectonics?
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains the movement and interaction of Earth's lithospheric plates.
Who proposed the theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century.
What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?
Evidence such as the matching coastlines, fossil records, and rock formations support the theory of plate tectonics.
How do tectonic plates move?
Tectonic plates move due to the convection currents in the underlying asthenosphere.
What are the three types of plate boundaries?
The three types of plate boundaries are divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.
What happens at a divergent plate boundary?
At a divergent plate boundary, tectonic plates move away from each other, creating new crust as magma rises to the surface.
What is a subduction zone?
A subduction zone is a region where one tectonic plate is forced underneath another plate into the mantle.
What is the theory of seafloor spreading?
The theory of seafloor spreading suggests that new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge over time.
How did Alfred Wegener support his theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener supported his theory of continental drift by providing evidence of similar fossil and rock formations on different continents.
What is Pangaea?
Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed approximately 300 million years ago, before the continents began to separate and drift apart.
What causes the movement of tectonic plates?
The movement of tectonic plates is primarily driven by the heat and convection currents in Earth's mantle.
What happens at a convergent plate boundary?
At a convergent plate boundary, tectonic plates collide or come together, resulting in the formation of mountains, volcanic activity, or subduction zones.
What is the role of plate tectonics in the formation of earthquakes?
Plate tectonics plays a significant role in the formation of earthquakes as the movement and interaction of plates can create areas of stress and strain, leading to seismic activity.
How do scientists study plate tectonics?
Scientists study plate tectonics using various techniques, such as satellite measurements, seismology, and the analysis of rock samples.
What is the significance of plate tectonics in shaping Earth's features?
Plate tectonics is significant in shaping Earth's features as it influences the formation of mountains, oceans, volcanoes, and other geological structures.
What are the major tectonic plates?
The major tectonic plates include the Pacific Plate, North American Plate, Eurasian Plate, African Plate, Antarctic Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, and South American Plate.