Plate Tectonics: a theory explaining the structure of the earth's crust and many associated
phenomena as resulting from the interaction of rigid lithospheric plates that
move slowly over the underlying mantle
phenomena as resulting from the interaction of rigid lithospheric plates that
move slowly over the underlying mantle
CONTINENTAL DRIFT: the gradual movement of the
continents across the earth's surface through geological
time.
Pangaea: was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and
early Mesozoic eras, forming approximately 300 million years ago. It began to
break apart around 200 million years ago
Asthenosphere: is the highly viscous,
mechanically weak and ductilely-deforming region of the upper mantle of the
Earth. It lies below the lithosphere, at depths between ~80 and ~200 km below
the surface
mechanically weak and ductilely-deforming region of the upper mantle of the
Earth. It lies below the lithosphere, at depths between ~80 and ~200 km below
the surface
lithosphere: is the rigid outermost shell of a rocky planet defined on
the basis of the mechanical properties.
the basis of the mechanical properties.
A mid-ocean ridge: is a general term for an underwater mountain system that consists of various mountain ranges, typically having a valley known as a rift running along its spine, formed by plate tectonics.
A rift valley :is a linear-shaped lowland between several highlands or
mountain ranges created by the action of a geologic rift or fault.
mountain ranges created by the action of a geologic rift or fault.
subduction: is the process that takes place at convergent
boundaries by which one tectonic plate moves under another tectonic plate and
sinks into the mantle as the plates converge.
boundaries by which one tectonic plate moves under another tectonic plate and
sinks into the mantle as the plates converge.