Plate Tectonics

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20 Terms

1
Continental Drift
The theory that continents have moved away from each other over time.
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2
Plate Tectonics

The scientific theory explaining the movement of the Earth's lithosphere.

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3
Types of Plate Boundaries

Divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

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4
Driving Force of Plate Motion

Plates that are driven by mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push.

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5
Alfred Wegener
The scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift and provided evidence such as fossil distribution and geological similarities.
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6
Paleomagnetism
The study of the magnetic properties of rocks to determine the history of the Earth's magnetic field.
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7
Paleomagnetism and Continental Drift
Paleomagnetism provides evidence for continental drift by showing how Earth's magnetic poles have changed positions over time.
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8
Two Types of Ocean Crust
Continental crust and oceanic crust; oceanic crust is denser and thinner than continental crust.
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9
Subduction
The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.
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10
Seafloor Spreading
The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and slowly pushes older crust away.
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11
Slab Pull
A force exerted by the weight of a subducting plate that pulls the rest of the plate along with it.
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12
Dividing the Layers of Earth
The two common methods are by physical properties (lithosphere and asthenosphere) and by chemical composition (crust, mantle, core).
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13
Mid-Ocean Ridges
Underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where seafloor spreading occurs.
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14
Active Margins
Coastal regions that are tectonically active, often featuring earthquakes and volcanic activity.
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15
Passive Margins
Coastal areas that are not tectonically active, typically characterized by wide continental shelves.
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16
Wadati-Benioff Zones
Zones of earthquakes occurring at subduction zones that indicate the presence of an oceanic plate descending into the mantle.
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17
Hot Spots
Volcanically active areas that are not at plate boundaries, caused by upwelling of hot mantle material.
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18
Triple Junctions
Points where three tectonic plates meet, commonly associated with significant geological activity.
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19
Trenches
Deep valleys in the ocean floor formed at convergent plate boundaries, where one plate is subducting beneath another.
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20
Transform Faults
Faults that form where two tectonic plates slide past one another horizontally.
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