Plate Tectonics Flashcards
What is a scientific theory?
A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations.
What is a plate?
A section of the lithosphere that slowly moves over the asthenosphere, carrying pieces of the oceanic and continental crust.
What are plate tectonics?
The theory that pieces of Earth’s lithosphere are on constant motion, driven by convection currents on the mantle.
What is a fault?
A break in Earth’s crust where masses of core slip past each other.
What is a Divergent boundary?
When two plates move away from each other.
What is a Rift Valley?
A deep valley that forms when two plates move apart
What is a convergent boundary?
When two plates move towards each other, or collide.
What is a Transform boundary?
When two plates slip past each other moving in opposite directions.
