The term "plate tectonics" is an area of science that deals with
the constant movement of the Earth's surface
surface layer of mainly basalt or granite, 5-25 miles thick
crust
what is the focus?
where the earthquake begins below the surface
Who was the German Scientist who first developed the theory that all continents were once joined and then drifted to their present locations?
Alfred Wegner
How are earthquakes constructive?
Mountains
the surface of the earth is in constant
motion
1,8000 miles thick rock of middle density moves very slowly
mantle
what is the epicenter
it is above the focus of an earthquake
What is the name of the plate boundary when the plates slip past each other?
Transfer
the massive supercontinent that scientists believe existed in the past was given what name
pangaea
what force causes earth's crustal plates to move
currents in the mantle
what scale is used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake
richter scale
What is the plate boundary called when plate push together?
convergent
solid iron and nickel, 800 miles thick about 7000C
inner core
tectonic plates move about how many inches per year
1 to 4 inches per year
which islands are formed from volcano hot spots
hawaiian
What plate boundaries pull apart from each other?
divergent
liquid iron and nickel
outer core
what can happen when two tectonic plates move in opposite directions against each other
volcano
Name three pieces of evidence supporting the plate tectonics theory
fit of continents , landforms match, fossils, rocks match, seafloor spreading, location of earthquakes, location of volcanoes
How are volcanoes constructive?
islands, and more land