Lecture on Plate Tectonics and Earth's Structure

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to plate tectonics and Earth's structure, providing definitions to aid in understanding the concepts.

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Pangaea

The supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras.

Plate Tectonics

The theory that Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move independently.

Divergent Boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move apart from each other.

Convergent Boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide with each other.

Transform Boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.

Asthenosphere

The ductile, semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere allowing for plate movement.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, made up of the crust and upper mantle.

Subduction

The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Continental Crust

The thick part of the Earth's crust that forms the continents, primarily composed of granite.

Oceanic Crust

The thinner part of the Earth's crust that underlies the ocean basins, primarily composed of basalt.

Mid-Ocean Ridge

A continuous mountain range that spans the ocean floors, formed by plate tectonics.

Seamounts

Underwater mountains formed by volcanic activity, often found in linear patterns.

Tectonic Plates

Large slabs of lithosphere that move and interact at plate boundaries.

Seismic Waves

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth's layers and are used to study its internal structure.