Tectonic plates p.1

Tectonic plates

Sections of Earth's crust that move slowly in relation to one another, forming large-scale surface features.

Convection currents

Slowly flowing currents in the mantle that transfer heat from the core and drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Andes Mountains

Mountain range that forms along a tectonic plate boundary.

Great Rift Valley

Valley that forms as tectonic plates move apart.

Sunda Trench

Trench that forms where tectonic plates converge.

Interferometry

A technique used to track plate movement by measuring changes in distance between radio telescopes on different tectonic plates.

Microplates

Smaller, unstable sections of Earth's crust that are prone to earthquakes.

Downward current

Current that drags crust into the mantle, where it melts.

Upward mantle plume

Hot material from the lower mantle that rises, forcing tectonic plates apart.

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

The boundary of major tectonic plates that forms an underwater mountain range.