Plate Techtonics Flashcards
Lithosphere
the rigid outer part of the earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle
Asthenosphere
the mechanically weak and ductile region of the upper mantle of Earth
Mesosphere
The mesosphere is the third layer of the atmosphere, directly above the stratosphere and directly below the thermosphere
Inner Core
The inner core is the fourth layer inside the Earth. It is a solid metallic ball made mainly of iron
Outer Core
The outer core is the third layer of the Earth. It is the only liquid layer
Seismic Waves
an elastic wave in the earth produced by an earthquake or other means.
Oceanic Crust
the relatively thin part of the earth’s crust which underlies the ocean basins. It is geologically young compared with the continental crust and consists of basaltic rock overlain by sediments.
Continental Crust
the relatively thick part of the earth’s crust that forms the large landmasses. It is generally older and more complex than the oceanic crust.
Density
the substance’s mass per unit of volume.
Alfred Wegener
known for his achievements in meteorology and as a pioneer of polar research
Continental Drift
the gradual movement of the continents across the earth’s surface through geological time.
Convergent Boundary
A convergent boundary is an area on Earth where two or more lithospheric plates collide
Divergent Boundary
in plate tectonics, a divergent boundary or divergent plate boundary
Transform Boundary
a place where two of the Earth’s tectonic plates move past one another
Sea-floor Spreading
Seafloor spreading is a geologic process in which tectonic plates—large slabs of Earth’s lithosphere—split apart from each other.
