Plate tectonics 1

2. thinner part of Earth’s crust that lies underneath the ocean basins
4. thicker part of Earth’s crust that forms the large land masses
8. undersea mountain range formed where two parts of the Earth’s crust are moving apart
9. distinct sections of the lithosphere which make up the outermost layer of the Earth
11. two plates moving apart
12. theory that describes plate movement and how it affects Earth’s geologic features
13. large bowl shaped depression that holds ocean water; regions of crust below sea level
14. an explanation of a set of related observations or events based upon proven hypotheses and verified multiple times by groups of detached researchers; can be used to explain and predict natural phenomena

1. two plates sliding past each other in opposite directions
3. process where one plate slides under another
5. two plates coming together
6. study of the movement of large masses of rock, known as plates, on the Earth’s surface; includes folds, faults, and plate movement
7. formation of new oceanic crust due to the up welling of magma at mid-ocean ridges
9. a region where two lithosphere plates meet
10. a change to the structure of the Earth by tectonic activities