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What does theory of plate tectonics state?
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 best describes the theory of plate tectonics quizlet?
Which best describes the theory of plate tectonics? Earth’s lithosphere is divided into plates, which move. You just studied 10 terms!
What types of phenomena does the theory of plate tectonics explain?
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how major landforms are created as a result of Earth’s subterranean movements. The theory, which solidified in the 1960s, transformed the earth sciences by explaining many phenomena, including mountain building events, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
Who proposed the theory of plate tectonics quizlet?
Who was Alfred Wegener? A German scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 1900s.
What are 3 pieces of evidence for the plate tectonics theory?
Evidence from fossils, glaciers, and complementary coastlines helps reveal how the plates once fit together. Fossils tell us when and where plants and animals once existed. Some life “rode” on diverging plates, became isolated, and evolved into new species.
Which is the best description of the theory of plate tectonics?
Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into large slabs of solid rock, called “plates,” that glide over Earth’s mantle, the rocky inner layer above Earth’s core. Earth’s solid outer layer, which includes the crust and the uppermost mantle, is called the lithosphere.
What is the border between two tectonic plates called?
boundary
The border between two tectonic plates is called a boundary. All the tectonic plates are constantly moving — very slowly — around the planet, but in many different directions. Some are moving toward each other, some are moving apart, and some are sliding past each other.
What are the three theories of plate tectonics?
Summary
- Plates of lithosphere move because of convection currents in the mantle.
- Plate boundaries can be located by outlining earthquake epicenters.
- Plates interact at three types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent and transform.
- Most of the Earth’s geologic activity takes place at plate boundaries.
What is the theory of plate tectonics Class 9?
Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core. The plates act like a hard and rigid shell compared to Earth’s mantle. This strong outer layer is called the lithosphere.
How does the theory of plate tectonics work?
The theory of plate tectonics states that Earth’s surface is made of rigid slabs of rock, or plates, that move with respect to each other. Earth’s tectonic plates are large pieces of lithosphere. These lithospheric plates fit together like the pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle.
What happens when two oceanic plates move apart?
The molten material hardens and becomes cooler and then creates the oceanic crust. This happens when two oceanic plates move apart What is the theory of plate tectonics the theory of plate tectonics state that the pieces of Earth’s lithosphere are in slow, constant motion.
What are the three types of plate tectonics boundaries?
The movement of the plates creates three types of tectonic boundaries: convergent, where plates move into one another; divergent, where plates move apart; and transform, where plates move sideways in relation to each other. Who gave the theory of plate tectonics?
Where does subduction occur in a plate tectonic system?
When oceanic crust converges with continental crust, the denser oceanic plate plunges beneath the continental plate. This process, called subduction, occurs at the oceanic trenches (figure 6). The entire region is known as a subduction zone. Subduction zones have a lot of intense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.