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toc =The Theory of Plate Tectonics=

Vocab

 * Plates**: The lithosphere is broken into separate sections called plates.
 * Scientific theory**: A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations.
 * Plate tectonics**: A geological theory that states that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in constant slow motion, driven by convection currents (see section 2).
 * Faults**: Faults form where plates have slipped past each other.
 * Transform boundary**: A boundary where two plates slip past each other in the opposite direction.
 * Divergent boundary**: The place where two plates move apart or diverge.
 * Rift Valley**: A deep valley forms along a divergent boundary.
 * Convergent boundary**: When two plates come together a convergent boundary forms.

A Theory of Plate Motion:

 * Scientific theory that plates move slowly
 * plates
 * broken parts of the lithosphere
 * plates slowly move to a different places
 * moves 2.5 cm. a year
 * can pull apart, slide past, and collide with each other
 * convection currents
 * responsible for movement of plates

Transform Boundary:

 * two plates that slip past eachother
 * makes fault
 * like San Andreas fault

Divergent Boundary:

 * Two plates move apart
 * makes rift valley
 * African rift valley that runs 3,000 kilometers deep
 * makes trench in water when divergent boundary happens

Convergent Boundary:

 * two plates come together
 * causes collision
 * If collision continues, long term affect is a mountain
 * this is how all mountains are formed

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