Plate Tectonics

Alfred Wegener

Proposed the idea of continental drift in 1915.

Continental Drift

The hypothesis that continents move across the Earth's surface, proposed by Alfred Wegener.

Paleoclimate Belts

Defined climate patterns based on the historical climatic conditions.

Seafloor Spreading

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away.

Subduction Zone

An area where one tectonic plate is being forced below another, typically involving oceanic trenches.

Magnetic Reversal

Reversal of the Earth's magnetic field, recorded in oceanic crust.

Divergent Boundaries

Tectonic plate boundaries where plates move away from each other.

Convergent Boundaries

Tectonic plate boundaries where plates move towards each other.

Transform Boundaries

Tectonic plate boundaries where plates slide past each other.

Oceanic Trenches

Deep underwater canyons formed at subduction zones.

Volcanic Island Arcs

Curved chains of volcanic islands formed at tectonic plate boundaries.

Lithosphere

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

Asthenosphere

The semi-fluid layer of the mantle closest to the Earth's surface.

Mesospheric Mantle

The lower part of the mantle that transitions to the outer core.

Spreading Rate Calculation

The formula to calculate the rate at which seafloor spreads: distance/time.

Seafloor Age

The age of the oceanic crust, which is youngest at the ridges and oldest near the trenches.

Core

The innermost layer of the Earth, consisting of the inner and outer core.

Geographic Distribution of Fossils

The spread of fossils across different continents, providing evidence for continental drift.