unifying theory of plate tectonics

Oceanic Crust

The thinner part of Earth's crust that underlies the oceans, generally younger and denser than continental crust.

Continental Crust

The thicker part of Earth's crust that forms the continents, generally older and less dense than oceanic crust.

Isostasy

The equilibrium between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle, which accounts for bimodal topography.

Alfred Wegener

A scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century.

Subduction

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

Thrust Faulting

A type of fault where the crust is compressed and one block is pushed over another, often seen at convergent boundaries and creates rift valleys.

Polar Wandering

Paleo magnetism

Mid-Ocean Ridge

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created through volcanic activity. Constructive boundary

Convection Currents

The movement of molten fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, driving the motion of tectonic plates.

Geomagnetic Reversal

The process by which the Earth's magnetic field reverses direction, documented in the geological record.

Orogenesis

The process of mountain building, typically occurring at convergent plate boundaries.

Bimodal Topography

The distinct separation of Earth's surface into two types: high mountains and ocean basins.

Thermo-remnant Magnetization

The magnetic signature recorded in rocks that preserves information about the Earth's magnetic field when the rocks formed.

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time. Wallace line