In what layer of Earth do convection currents happen?
The mantle
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
The theory that continents were once connected but have drifted apart
Continental Drift
Huge piece of crust that slowly moves on the upper, part of the mantle
Tectonic Plate
What piece of evidence for Continental Drift states that similar types and ages of rocks are found on different continents?
Fossil Evidence and Climate evidence
What does the theory of plate tectonics explain?
It explains most of the features on Earth’s surface.
What do transform boundaries form?
Earthquakes
Who is the scientist that discovered and theorized plate tectonics?
Alfred Wegener
What are the two forms of Earth's crust?
Either continental (landmasses) or oceanic (ocean floors)
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
Two plates moving toward each other
Convergent Boundary
The thin, solid, outermost layer of Earth
Crust
What are some characteristics of Earth's inner core?
780 miles, made of iron and nickel, temperature is 13,000 degrees fahrenheit
What are some characteristics of Earth's outer core?
1400 miles thick liquid layer, made of iron so it is heavy, creates Earth's magnetic field
The theory that the crust is divided into large pieces called tectonic plates that slowly move on top of the mantle
Plate Tectonics
What are some characteristics of Earth's crust?
Outmost layer, thinnest layer, made up of rock and loose material.
Hot thick layer of molten or liquid rock
Mantle
What do divergent boundaries form?
Sea floor spreading and rift valley
What are some characteristics of Earth's mantle?
1800 miles thick, consists of the lithosphere which is the topmost layer, & the asthenosphere which is plastic-like and allows the lithosphere and crust to move
Two plates that are sliding past each other
Transform boundary
What is the supercontinent called?
Pangea
What is a plate boundary?
Where two plates meet
Two plates moving away from each other
Divergent Boundary
When an oceanic plate runs into a continental plate and slides beneath it
Subduction
What do convergent boundaries form?
Mountains and volcanoes
The cracks or breaks that create plate tectonics
Faults
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