Plate+Tectonics

Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of Earth's lithosphere. The lithosphere consists of separate plates that ride on the more fluid asthenosphere and move slowly in relationship to one another, creating convergent, divergent, and transform plate boundaries.



These motions indicate Earth is a dynamic geologic system.

How and where do earthquakes occur?

How and where do volcanoes form?

What is the evidence of Plate Tectonics?

What are the types of plate boundaries and important features of each?

What are some of the hypotheses scientists have about the causes of plate movements?

How have plate movements caused changes in the positions and shapes of Earth’s landmasses?

Why are some volcanoes explosive?

What kinds of landforms are produced by volcanic eruptions?

Where can volcanoes be found in the solar system?

The outward transfer of Earth’s internal heat drives convective circulation in the mantle that moves the lithospheric plates comprising Earth’s surface.

The transfer of heat energy within the Earth’s interior results in the formation of regions of different densities. These density differences result in motion.

Properties of Earth’s internal structure (crust, mantle, inner core, and outer core) can be inferred from the analysis of the behavior of seismic waves (including velocity and refraction). Analysis of seismic waves allows the determination of the location of the epicenter.

Many of Earth’s surface features such as mid-ocean ridges/rifts, trenches/subduction zones/island arcs, mountain ranges (folded, faulted, and volcanic), hot spots, and the magnetic and age patterns in surface bedrock are a consequence of forces associated with plate motion and interaction.

Plate motions have resulted in global changes in geography, climate, and the patterns of organic evolution.

Earth systems have internal and external sources of energy, both of which create heat.

Earthquakes

Plate Movements