Tectonic Plates MS-ESS2-2

Continental drift

The hypothesis that all the continents are moving very slowly across Earths surface. Continental drift. Continental drift is the idea that Earth's continents have moved over time and continue to move slowly across the planet's surface.

Convergent boundary

The boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other is called a convergent boundary. In simple terms, a convergent boundary is where Earth's plates push together, which can create mountains or cause earthquakes.

Divergent boundary

The boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other. Divergent boundary. This is where new land is formed as magma rises to fill the gap between the plates.

Fault

A break in Earth's crust along which rocks move. Fault. A fault is like a crack in the ground where rocks can shift and cause earthquakes.

Pangaea

The supercontinent that broke up 200 million years ago into the continents we see today is Pangaea. Pangaea was a giant landmass where all the continents were once connected before they drifted apart.

Plate tectonics

The theory that Earth's crust is made of moving plates. Plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is the idea that Earth's outer layer is divided into big, moving pieces called plates.

Rift valley

A deep valley that forms as plates move apart. Rift valley. A rift valley is a low area between hills or mountains that forms as Earth's tectonic plates pull apart.

Subduction

A crust plate forced beneath another at a plate boundary. Subduction. Subduction is when one of Earth's crustal plates slides under another plate, causing things like earthquakes and volcanoes.

Transform boundary

The boundary where two plates scrape past each other. Transform boundary. A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.