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Plate Tectonics
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Theory of Plate Tectonics | theory that describes plate movement and how it affects Earth’s geologic features |
| Tectonics | study of the movement of large masses of rock, known as plates, on the Earth’s surface; includes folds, faults, and plate movement |
| Plate | distinct sections of the lithosphere which make up the outermost layer of the Earth |
| Continental Crust | thicker part of Earth’s crust that forms the large land masses |
| Oceanic Crust | thinner part of Earth’s crust that lies underneath the ocean basins |
| Plate Boundary | a region where two lithospheric plates meet |
| Ocean Basin | large bowl shaped depression that holds ocean water; regions of crust below sea level |