Plate Tectonics Theory Flashcards
Plate Tectonics Theory
Scientific theory that explains how major landforms are created as a result of plate movement.
What are the different types of Plate Boundaries?
- Convergent Boundary
- Divergent Boundary
- Transform Fault Boundary
Convergent Boundary
When two plates converge or collide.
Divergent Boundary
When two plates diverge away from each other.
Transform Fault Boundary
When two plates slide past each other
What happens when two Continental plates converge collide?
It results to a convergent boundary and will form mountain ranges.
What happens when a Continental and Oceanic Plate collides?
Convergent boundary occurs and subduction process will happen, which will cause, volcano or underwater volcano, volcanic island and volcanic arcs, and trenches.
What happens when two plates move away from each other?
Divergent boundary occurs, rift valley will happen, mid-ocean ridge, and sea-floor spreading.
What is a rift valley?
It is caused by divergent boundary, when two plates are separated to each other causing a rift between them.
What is a mid-ocean ridge?
It is caused by divergent boundaries where rift valley occurs, it is when new ocean floor is being created as the plates moves farther away from each other.
What is sea-floor spreading?
Process that occurs in mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is being formed.
Fossil Evidence of Plate Moving
Example; glossopteris and mesosaurus
