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The theory that continents were once connected but have drifted apart
Continental Drift
The thin, solid, outermost layer of Earth
Crust
What are the two forms of Earth's crust?
Either continental (landmasses) or oceanic (ocean floors)
The theory that the crust is divided into large pieces called tectonic plates that slowly move on top of the mantle
Theory of Plate Tectonics
Huge piece of crust that slowly moves on the upper, part of the mantle
Tectonic Plate
Hot thick layer of molten or liquid rock
Mantle
The cracks or breaks that create plate tectonics
Faults
Two plates moving toward each other
Convergent Boundary
Two plates moving away from each other
Divergent Boundary
Two plates that are sliding past each other
Transform boundary
When a plate runs into another plate and slides beneath it
Subduction
In the mantle, they rotate the uneven heating of the magma. This process moves the plates in the lithosphere and Earth’s crust.
Convection Currents
What are the three main forms of evidence behind the theory of plate tectonics?
Fitting of the continents, Distribution of fossils, & Distribution of rocks and structures
What do divergent boundaries form?
rift valley. volcanoes, seafloor spreading
What do transform boundaries form?
Earthquakes
What do convergent boundaries form?
Mountains and volcanoes
