Plate tectonics 1

1. thinner part of Earth’s crust that lies underneath the ocean basins
4. 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
9. theory that describes plate movement and how it affects Earth’s geologic features
10. undersea mountain range formed where two parts of the Earth’s crust are moving apart
11. two plates moving apart
13. study of the movement of large masses of rock, known as plates, on the Earth’s surface; includes folds, faults, and plate movement
15. large bowl shaped depression that holds ocean water; regions of crust below sea level

2. two plates coming together
3. two plates sliding past each other in opposite directions
5. formation of new oceanic crust due to the up welling of magma at mid-ocean ridges
6. distinct sections of the lithosphere which make up the outermost layer of the Earth
7. a region where two lithosphere plates meet
8. thicker part of Earth’s crust that forms the large land masses
12. a change to the structure of the Earth by tectonic activities
14. process where one plate slides under another