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1.5 The Theory of Plate Tectionics
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Vocabulary:

Plates- the separate sections that the lithosphere is broken into Scientific Theory- a hypothesis that explains a wide range of observation Plate Tectonics- the geological theory that states that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in consant, slow motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle Faults- breaks in Earth's crust where rocks have slipped past each other; they form along boundaries Transorm Boundary- a place where two plates slip past each other in opposite directions Divergent Boundary- where two plates pull apart or diverge Rift Valley- a deep valley that forms along a divergent boundary Convergent Boundary- where two plates come together or converge

Outline


 * The Theory of Plate Motion


 * The theory of plate tectonics explains the formation, movement, and subduction of the Earth's plates
 * Plate boundaries


 * There are three plate boundaries:transform,convergent, and divergent
 * Transform Boundary


 * this is where two plates slip past each other in opposite directions
 * Divergent Boundaries


 * This is where two plates pull apart from each other, making a rift valley
 * Convergent Boundary


 * this is where two plates push against each other, making mountains
 * The Continents' Slow Dance


 * The continents move away from each other about 2.5 inches a year [|]