Plate tectonics 1

5. two plates sliding past each other in opposite directions
6. two plates coming together
8. thinner part of Earth’s crust that lies underneath the ocean basins
10. thicker part of Earth’s crust that forms the large land masses
13. a region where two lithosphere plates meet
14. distinct sections of the lithosphere which make up the outermost layer of the Earth

1. a change to the structure of the Earth by tectonic activities
2. two plates moving apart
3. formation of new oceanic crust due to the up welling of magma at mid-ocean ridges
4. theory that describes plate movement and how it affects Earth’s geologic features
5. 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
7. undersea mountain range formed where two parts of the Earth’s crust are moving apart
9. large bowl shaped depression that holds ocean water; regions of crust below sea level
11. process where one plate slides under another
12. study of the movement of large masses of rock, known as plates, on the Earth’s surface; includes folds, faults, and plate movement