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The theory of plates tectonics is a model that explains how the Earth’s outer crust and the inner mantle interact. The theory saw its emergence in 1915 by Alfred Wegener, as he goes on to explain his theory of “Continental Drift”.
The theory states that the Earth’s outer crust (the lithosphere) is divided into several large, moving plates. These plates move around on the Earth’s surface and interact with each other, causing earthquakes and other geological phenomena. In this chapter, we will also explain the theory of plate tectonics.
What Are Plate Tectonics?
When we define plate tectonics, it is the scientific theory that describes the movement and behaviour of the Earth’s lithosphere. The lithosphere is the outermost solid layer of the Earth and is broken into giant plates that move around on the planet’s surface. The lithosphere is constantly in motion as plates collide, move apart and slide past each other. This movement causes earthquakes, volcanoes, and other geological phenomena.
The theory of plate tectonics is the scientific model that describes the large-scale motions of Earth’s lithosphere. The theory of plate tectonics is the formation and evolution of Earth’s mountains, ocean basins, and the relief features on Earth’s surface.
The lithosphere is divided into several large tectonic plates that move around on the planet’s surface. The leaves are constantly in motion, riding on the underlying mantle. The theory of plate tectonics was first proposed in the 1960s and has been continually refined since then.
What Are The Three Types Of Plate Tectonic boundaries?
After we define plate tectonics, there are three types of plate tectonic boundaries: convergent, divergent, and transform.
Convergent plate boundaries are where two plates collide. The heavier of the two plates will sink underneath the other, forming a subduction zone. It can lead to dramatic geological events, such as megaquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Divergent plate boundaries arise when two plates move away from each other. It can create new landforms, such as islands or mountain ranges.
Plates glide past each other at transform plate boundaries. It can create fault lines and earthquakes.
Describe The Process Of Subduction
The process of subduction is when two tectonic plates collide. The heavier Plate will sink underneath the lighter one, pushing the more lightweight Plate upwards and creating mountains. The Indian Plate is currently subducting underneath the Eurasian Plate, which is why the Himalayas are constantly growing taller.
What Is An Example Of A Transform Boundary?
A transform boundary is something like the San Andreas Fault in California. When two plates slide past each other, they form this border. The San Andreas Fault is formed as the Pacific Plate travels northwestward relative to the North American Plate. The plate boundary is marked by earthquakes when the plates grind past each other.
Difference Between Continental Drift And Plate Tectonics
The difference between continental drift and plate tectonics is how the continents on Earth moved around over time. It was most evident during the Cenozoic era, which is the period that spans from 66 million to 23.5 million years ago. The continents were moving away from each other and eventually came together to form the supercontinent Pangaea.
Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains how the Earth’s lithosphere (a large, solid outer layer) is divided into tectonic plates. These plates move on the Earth’s surface and constantly interact. This process is what creates earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain ranges.
Conclusion
Continental drift is how the continents on Earth move around on the planet’s surface. This movement is caused by the convection of molten rock beneath the Earth’s surface. Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains the behaviour and origins of the continents and the oceans. Plate tectonics is divided into two main parts: crustal plates and lithosphere. The crustal leaves are the large, flat, rigid pieces of Earth’s lithosphere that make up the planet’s outer layer. They are constantly moving around on the Earth’s mantle and interacting in various ways.
The lithosphere is made up of several thin sheets stacked on top of each other. These sheets are broken down into tectonic plates. The plates move around on the Earth’s mantle and interact in various ways. For example, the movement of the leaves can cause volcanism, earthquakes, and mountain building.
