Tectonic Plates

Tectonic plates are large, rigid segments of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another at the Earth's surface. These plates are constantly shifting and can cause a variety of geologic events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges.

Plate Boundaries

There are three main types of plate boundaries:

• Divergent Boundaries: where plates move apart
• Convergent Boundaries: where plates move toward each other
• Transform Boundaries: where plates slide past each other

Features and Effects

Plate tectonics can create various geologic features and effects, including:

• Mountain building
• Earthquakes
• Volcanic activity
• Oceanic ridges and trenches

Study Guide

When studying tectonic plates, be sure to focus on the following key concepts:

1. The composition and structure of the Earth's lithosphere
2. The movement and interactions of tectonic plates
3. The types of plate boundaries and their associated geologic features
4. The causes and effects of plate tectonics, including earthquakes and volcanic activity

Additional Resources

For further study, consider reviewing diagrams and animations of plate tectonics to better understand the movement and interactions of tectonic plates.