Term |
Definition |
Crust |
The outermost layer of the Earth |
Mantle |
The layer between the crust and the core |
Core |
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|
The central part of the Earth below the mantle |
Lithosphere |
The solid outer layer of the Earth the consists of the crust and the rigid upper part of the mantle |
Asthenosphere |
The soft layer of the mantle on which moves the tectonic plates |
Mesosphere |
The strong, lower part of the mantle between the athenosphere and the outer core |
Tectonic Plate |
A block of lithosphere that consists of the crust and the rigid, outermost part of the mantle |
Continental Drift |
The hypothesis that states the continents once formed a single landmass, broke up, and drifted to their present locations |
Sea-Floor Spreading |
The process by which new oceanic lithosphere forms as magma rises toward the surface and solidifies |
Plate Tectonics |
The theory that explains how large pieces of the Eartha??s outermost layer, called the tectonic plates, move and change shape |
Convergent Boundary |
The boundary formed by the collision of two lithospheric plates |
Divergent Boundary |
The boundary between tectonic plates that are moving away from each other |
Transform Boundary |
The boundary between tectonic plates that are sliding past each other horizontally |
Compression |
Stress that occurs when forces act to when forces act to squeeze an object |
Tension |
Stress that occurs when forces act to stretch the object |
Folding |
The bending of rock layers due to stress |
Uplift |
The rising of regions of the Eartha??s crust to higher elevations |
Subsidence |
The sinking of regions of the Eartha??s crust to lower elevations |
Fault |
A break in a body of rock along which one block slides relative to another |