TECTONIC PLATES

1. The process where new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges.
3. Refers to the idea that continents are constantly moving over time.
4. Coming together or meeting at a point.
7. The downward movement of rock, soil, and debris on a slope.
8. The breakdown of rocks into smaller particles due to exposure to natural elements.
11. Molten rock beneath the Earth’s surface.
13. The gradual movement of continents across the Earth’s surface.
14. A mountain that erupts molten rock, ash, and gasses.
16. A crack in the Earth’s crust where movement has occurred.
17. A large section of the Earth’s lithosphere.
18. The process of wearing away soil and rocks by natural forces like wind and water.
19. Underwater mountain range where new oceanic crust is formed.
20. Large masses of ice that move slowly over land.

2. Moving apart or spreading out.
4. A large landmass on Earth.
5. The rigid outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.
6. The theory explaining the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates.
9. The shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by a sudden release of energy.
10. The sinking of one tectonic plate beneath another.
12. Sliding past each other horizontally, typically at a fault line.
15. The process where sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or landmass.
17. The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.