Plate Tectonics Flashcards
What part of the earth makes tectonic plates move?
The mantle
In plate tectonics, heat from the core causes ….. in the mantle.
Convection currents
In plate tectonics, what do convection currents do?
Slowly move the crust around
What are the two types of crust?
oceanic and continental crust
Earthquakes and volcanoes are primarily found where?
Plate boundaries
At the boundaries between plates, ….. is able to force its way to the surface and escape as lava.
Molten magma
What happens when tectonic plates meet?
Earthquakes and volcanoes
What causes convection currents in the mantle?
Heat from radioactive decay
Name one of the scientists responsible for the theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener
Name 3 evidential features of Wegener’s continental drift theory.
- The same types of fossilised plants and animals are find in South America and Africa
- The shape of the east coast of South America fits the west coast of Africa like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
- Matching rock formations and mountain chains are find in South America and Africa.
What do scientists call the large land mass which they believe existed before it broke into smaller chunks?
Pangea
Name 3 tectonic plates
- Pacific Plate (largest)
- North American Plate
- Eurasian Plate
- African Plate
- Antarctic Plate
- Indo-Australian Plate
- South American Plate
How many tectonic plates cover almost 95% of the worlds’ surface?
7
Where is the “ring of fire”?
The Pacific Plate
What is the lithosphere?
The Earth’s crust and mantle
