Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

Question 1

The outermost shell of a rocky planet.

Answer 1

Crust

Question 2

Layer of molten rock between the crust and core

Answer 2

Mantle

Question 3

Made up of mostly Iron. Separated into the outer core (molten) and inner core (solid)

Answer 3

Core

Question 4

The layer of rock that makes up the outer part of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle (lithospheric plates)

Answer 4

Tectonic Plate

Question 5

The theory that continents gradually drifted over time to their present positions.

Answer 5

Continental Drift Theory

Question 6

A thin layer of Earth, about 150 miles thick, at the border between the mantle and the crust.

Answer 6

Asthenosphere

Question 7

The process in which the hotter parts of a gas or liquid rise to the top and the cooler, denser parts sink.

Answer 7

Convection Current

Question 8

When two tectonic plates come together.

Answer 8

Convergent Boundary

Question 9

Uplift of crustal plates that form elevated landmasses.

Answer 9

Mountains

Question 10

A vent or fissure in Earth’s surface through which magma and gases are expelled.

Answer 10

Volcanoes

Question 11

When tectonic plates split apart.

Answer 11

Divergent Boundary

Question 12

When tectonic plates slide past each other.

Answer 12

Transform Boundary

Question 13

Breaks in the crust. The movement causes seismic waves which produces earthquakes.

Answer 13

Fault

Question 14

A long ridge of underwater volcanoes between two diverging oceanic plates.

Answer 14

Mid-Ocean Ridge

Question 15

A place where one tectonic plate sinks under another and melts. Also forms a trench.

Answer 15

Subduction Zone

Question 16

A long narrow valley between two diverging continental plates.

Answer 16

Rift Valley