Ch5 Sec5 The Theory of Plate Tectonics

Key Concepts What is the theory of plate tectonics? What are the three types of plate boundaries?

Key Terms Plate Scientific theory Plate tectonics Fault Divergent boundary Rift valley Convergent boundary Transform boundary

Ch5 Sec5 How Plates Move – Plate tectonics: states that pieces of Earth’s lithosphere are in slow, constant motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle – The theory of plate tectonics explains the formation, movement, and subduction of Earth’s plates

Ch5 Sec5 Plate Boundaries – Faults: breaks in Earth’s crust where rocks have slipped past each other – Three kinds of plate boundaries Divergent boundary: the place where two plates move apart – Rift valley: forms along a divergent boundary Convergent boundary: the place where two plates come together Transform boundary: is a place where two plates slip past each other