Theory of Plate Tectonics

5. plates move towards each other & collide
6. a prediction or statement based on limited evidence that can be tested by observation and experimentation
8. tectonics the scientific theory that the lithosphere is made up of rigid pieces, called tectonic plates, that move across Earth's surface
9. the process by which a collision between two tectonic plates forces the denser plate under the less dense plate
11. the requirement that must be met for an engineering solution to be successful
13. the hypothesis that the continents slowly drifted to their current positions after having been part of a single, giant landmass that broke apart

1. a break in Earth's crust where the rocks on either side have moved
2. theory a well-established group of ideas or models that is supported by a large amount of evidence and that can be used to explain many different phenomena
3. plates move away from one another
4. the circulation of material caused by differences in temperature
7. the process by which the rocks on either side of the mid-ocean ridge slowly pull away from each other, allowing molten rock to rise, solidify, and form new seafloor
10. plates slide past each and lithosphere is neither created nor destroyed
11. the limitations on an engineering solution
12. the solid crust and upper mantle of Earth's interior