Table of Contents
What is the meaning of plate tectonic theory?
The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth’s solid outer crust, the lithosphere, is separated into plates that move over the asthenosphere, the molten upper portion of the mantle. Oceanic and continental plates come together, spread apart, and interact at boundaries all over the planet.
What is the best definition of plate tectonics?
1 : a theory in geology: the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of plates which float on and travel independently over the mantle and much of the earth’s seismic activity occurs at the boundaries of these plates.
What is the theory of plate tectonics kids definition?
The definition of tectonic plates for kids involves thinking of the Earth’s crust as large slabs that move over a liquid mantle. Mountains form and earthquakes shake at tectonic plate boundaries, where new landforms rise and fall.
Why is plate tectonic a theory?
The plate movements first proposed under the theory of continental drift hypothesis rapid and sudden massive movements of the continents in the past. Plate Tectonics explains the mid Atlantic Ridge, The great rift valley of Africa, the subduction zones, earthquakes, the location of volcanos, and Mountain ranges.
What is the plate tectonic theory BBC Bitesize?
The theory of plate tectonics It is a thin layer between 0 – 60 km thick. The crust is the solid rock layer upon which we live. The earth’s crust is broken into plates. It was once believed that convection currents in the mantle slowly moved the crust around.
What are tectonic plates ks2?
Tectonic plates are pieces of the rocky outer layer of the Earth known as the crust. These plates are constantly moving, and volcanoes, earthquakes and sometimes mountains are found at the plate boundaries.
What is the plate tectonic theory GCSE geography?
The theory of plate tectonics The crust is the outer layer of the Earth. The crust is the solid rock layer upon which we live. It is either continental or oceanic. The earth’s crust is broken into plates. It was once believed that convection currents in the mantle slowly moved the crust around.
What evidence exists to support the theory of plate tectonics?
Evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics includes distribution of rock formation and fossils, shapes of existing continents, ocean floor features, and seismic and volcanic activity. This evidence shows how Earth’s plates have moved great distances, collided, and spread apart throughout Earth’s history.
What statement best describes the theory of plate tectonics?
Answer: The statement that best describes the theory of plate tectonics is the one that says that sections of Earth’s continents are in slow constant movement. Explanation: Plate tectonics is a geological theory developed to explain the phenomenon of continental drift, that is, the continents of the earth are not invariably positioned on the surface of the earth but move in proportion to each other and constantly forming new combinations.
What is the role of The Techtonic plates?
As the tectonic plates keep moving, carbon is cycled and recycled within the various layers of the Earth. Plate tectonics plays a key role in the carbon cycle and in determining the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide in the atmosphere mixes with rain to form carbonic acid, which eventually weathers rocks.
What concepts is part of the theory of plate tectonics?
Several basic principles underlie the theory of plate tectonics. Key concepts include: the lithosphere and the asthenosphere; “plates”; convection; the observation that the most active geology takes place on plate boundaries; and the Wilson Cycle, a concept that describes lifecycles of oceans and continents.