What are tectonic forces?

Types of Tectonic Forces

• Compression: This occurs when tectonic plates are pushed against each other, causing the crust to fold and form mountain ranges.
• Tension: This occurs when tectonic plates move away from each other, causing the crust to stretch and form rift valleys or mid-ocean ridges.
• Shear: This occurs when tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing faults and earthquakes.

Plate Tectonics

Effects of Tectonic Forces

• Mountain Building: Compression forces can uplift and fold the Earth's crust, leading to the formation of mountain ranges.
• Earthquakes: Shear forces along faults can cause the Earth's crust to break and release energy in the form of seismic waves.
• Volcanic Activity: Tectonic forces can also lead to the formation of volcanoes, as magma rises through weak points in the crust at plate boundaries.

Studying Tectonic Forces

• The structure of the Earth's interior and the composition of the lithosphere and asthenosphere.
• The movement of tectonic plates and the different types of plate boundaries, such as convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.
• The geological features associated with tectonic forces, including mountains, rift valleys, and earthquake zones.
• The relationship between tectonic forces and natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.