Module 3: Geology

Did you know that, according to scientists, the continents of Earth were once a single, large super-continent called Pangaea? The Earth you know looked very different millions of years ago and will look just as different millions of years in the future.

In this module, you will learn about ocean geology and how complex processes including seafloor spreading and plate tectonics constantly reshape the continents and oceans. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the movements of the upper layers of Earth's structure. In turn, these movements rely on massive processes occurring deep within the Earth.

Getting Started

Plate Tectonics and Seafloor Spreading Questions InteractivityBefore you learn about geology, see how much you already know about plate tectonics and seafloor spreading. In this interactivity, read each question and click the label to review the answer. Click the player button to get started.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.

Alfred Wegener Gondwanaland Mesozoic Era seafloor spreading
Archimedes principal granite mid-ocean ridge shearing
asthenosphere Harry Hess outer core sonar
basalt hot spots Paleozoic Era subduction zone
buoyancy inner core Pangaea tension
compression isostatic equilibrium Panthalassa Sea Tethys Sea
continental drift lithosphere plate boundary thermal convection
convergent Laurasia plate tectonics transform
crust magma radiometric dating trenches
divergent mantle rifting