Plate Tectonics

What is Plate Tectonics?

Plate Tectonics is the geologic theory that explains geologic activity of the earth resulting from the slow movement of large sections or lithospheric slabs called plates. In Plate Tectonics, the Earth's crust is composed of rigid and large plates that constantly move over a less rigid layer.

What are tectonic plates?

Tectonic plates are large slabs of rock that make up Earth's lithosphere. Tectonic plates can carry lots of different geological formations such as continents, oceans or both.

How many tectonic plates are there?

There are 14 large, irregular shaped tectonic plates and there are many smaller tectonic plates. Each tectonic plate has a name. The largest tectonic plate is called the Pacific plate. Pacific plate carries the Pacific Ocean. The smallest tectonic plate is the Juan de Fuca plate which lies along the northwest coast of North America. Small tectonic plates are referred to as microplates.

Theory of Plate Tectonics

The theory of plate tectonics was developed and accepted by scientists in the 1960s. Over time, the theory of plate tectonics has become a fundamental theory in geology. Plate tectonics explains the mystery of Lystrosaurus and drifting continents as well as describing Earth's geological features.

Layers of the Earth, Characteristics of the Lithosphere and Asthenosphere

How do Plate Tectonics Work?

Types of Plate Boundaries (Divergent Boundaries, Convergent Boundaries, Transform Boundaries)

Plate Tectonics Lesson Plans