A scientific theory that explains the movement and interactions of large sections of the Earth's lithosphere
The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small plates, including continental and oceanic plates
Plate tectonics involves the processes of plate movement, collision, and separation, leading to various geological phenomena
Historical development of plate tectonic theory
1. Early observations
2. Continental drift hypothesis
3. Plate tectonic theory
In divergent boundaries, plates move apart, creating new crust as magma rises to fill the gap. Examples include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East African Rift
Convergent boundaries
Plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain building. Examples include the Andes Mountains and the Himalayas
Transform boundaries
Plates slide past each other horizontally, resulting in earthquakes. The San Andreas Fault in California is a well-known transform boundary
Mid-Atlantic Ridge
An underwater mountain range formed by the divergence of the North American and Eurasian plates
Ring of Fire
A region surrounding the Pacific Ocean known for its high volcanic and seismic activity due to plate interactions
Himalayan Mountains
Formed as a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates
Plate movements
Plates can move at rates ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters per year
Geological phenomena
Plate tectonics is responsible forearthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain formation, and the creation of oceanic trenches
The movement of plates allows for the recycling of material through subduction and volcanic activity
