The Tectonic Plates Flashcards
Crust
The outermost shell of a rocky planet
Mantle
Layer of molten rock between the crust and core
Core
Made up of mostly Iron. Separated into the outer core (molten) and inner core (Iron)
Tectonic Plates
The layer of the rock that makes up the outer part of the earth. including the crust and upper mantle ( Lithospheric plates )
Continental drift theory
The theory that continents gradually drifted over time to their present positions.
Asthenosphere
A thin layer of Earth, about 150 miles thick, at the border between the mantle and crust.
Convection current
The process in which the hotter parts of a gas or liquid rise to the top and the cooler, denser parts sink.
Convergent boundary
When two tectonic plates come together.
Mountains
Uplift of crustal plates that form elevated land masses.
Volcanos
A vent of fissure in Earth’s surface through which magma and gases are expelled.
Divergent Boundary
When tectonic plates split apart.
Transform Boundary
when tectonic plates slide past eachother.