Evidence For Plate Tectonics

Questions and Answers

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Plate tectonic theory states that the earth's lithosphere, or outer shell, is divided into several huge plates that glide on the slowly moving rock of Earth's surface.

How does Earth's structure affect plate tectonics?

The tectonic plates glide over Earth's mantle, which is constantly circulating due to heat.

Is it true that Earth is made of solid rock and you can drill straight down to the core?

False

What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

Evidence includes coastlines on opposite continents fitting together like puzzle pieces, matching fossils found in South America and Africa, and seafloor spreading. Signup and view all the answers

Does the lava in volcanoes come straight from Earth's core?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is an earthquake?

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of rock underground. Signup and view all the answers

What is a theory?

A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lithosphere?

The part of Earth which is composed mostly of rocks; the crust and outer mantle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mantle?

The layer of solid rock between Earth's crust and core. Signup and view all the answers

What is the crust?

The layer of rock that forms Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is a continent?

A large continuous mass of land. Signup and view all the answers

What is magma?

Melted rock located beneath Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is lava?

Melted rock on Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Plate Tectonics Theory?

The theory that Earth's crust is made up of individual plates that gradually move in relation to each other. Signup and view all the answers

What does structure refer to in this context?

A part of an organism; also refers to the way parts are put together. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tectonic plate?

One of several huge pieces of Earth's crust. Signup and view all the answers

What is the asthenosphere?

The layer of soft but solid mobile rock found below the lithosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is convection?

The transfer of heat from one place to another caused by movement of molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ocean basin?

A depression in the ocean floor that ranges from a few feet to several miles in depth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fault?

A crack in a body of rock along which rocks on opposite sides slide past each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is continental crust?

Relatively thick crust that forms the continents, older and less dense than oceanic crust, mostly made of granite. Signup and view all the answers

What is oceanic crust?

Relatively thin crust under the ocean basins, younger and more dense than continental crust, mostly made of basalt. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theory of Plate Tectonics

Lithosphere is divided into large, moving tectonic plates on the Earth's surface.
Movement of these plates causes geological events such as mountain formation, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and continental drift.

Earth's Structure and Plate Tectonics

Tectonic plates glide over the mantle, facilitated by the circulation of material due to heat.
The partially molten rock in the mantle plays a crucial role in the movement of tectonic plates.

Common Misconceptions

It is a misconception that Earth is solid rock throughout; extreme conditions prevent drilling to the core.
Lava does not originate from Earth’s core; rather, it comes from magma chambers primarily found in the crust.

Evidence Supporting Plate Tectonics

Coastlines of different continents fit together like puzzle pieces, indicating past connections.
Similar rock types and fossils found on continents separated by oceans support the idea that these landmasses were once joined.
Seafloor spreading at divergent plate boundaries creates new crust, evidencing active plate movement.

Definitions and Concepts

Plate Tectonics Theory: Explains the gradual movement of Earth's crust's individual plates.
Lithosphere: Comprises the crust and outer mantle, primarily made of rock.
Mantle: A solid rock layer located between the Earth's crust and core.
Crust: The outermost layer of rock making up the Earth's surface.

Types of Crust

Continental Crust: Thick and older, mainly granite, forming the continents.
Oceanic Crust: Thin and younger, mostly basalt, found under oceans, denser than continental crust.

Tectonic Dynamics

Convection: The transfer of heat caused by the movement of molten material, influencing plate movements.
Asthenosphere: A layer of soft, solid mobile rock below the lithosphere, facilitating plate movement.
Tectonic Plates: Massive sections of the Earth's crust that interact along boundaries, causing various geological phenomena.

Geological Phenomena

Earthquake: Sudden ground shaking resulting from the movement of underground rocks.
Fault: A crack in the rock where adjacent rocks slide past each other, often associated with tectonic activity.
Ocean Basin: Depressions in the ocean floor that can vary greatly in depth.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of the theory of plate tectonics with these informative flashcards. Learn how the lithosphere's massive plates interact and contribute to geological phenomena like earthquakes and mountain formation. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of Earth's dynamic structure.