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TECTONIC PLATES
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| CONTINENT | a large continuous landmass |
| CONTINENTAL SHELF | a shallow, flat underwater shelf that extends from the shore of a continent into the ocean |
| EARTHQUAKE | the shaking of the ground caused by a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust |
| FAULT | a long crack in the surface of the earth |
| PACIFIC RING OF FIRE | a horseshoe-shaped region in the Pacific Ocean that is home to most of the world’s volcanoes |
| PANGEA | a supercontinent that existed until about 200 million years ago |
| PLATE BOUNDARY | where two plates meet |
| PLATE TECTONICS | gigantic pieces of the Earth’s crust that move slowly over the mantle |
| VOLCANO | a vent in Earth’s surface through which magma is released; generally, a mountain-like structure |