Tectonic Plates
Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another. The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several major and minor tectonic plates that make up the outer shell of the Earth. These plates are composed of both the Earth's crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.
Plate Boundaries
There are three main types of plate boundaries where tectonic plates interact:
- Divergent Boundaries: At these boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other. This typically occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where new crust is formed as magma rises from the mantle.
- Convergent Boundaries: At these boundaries, tectonic plates move towards each other. When two plates converge, one may be forced beneath the other in a process called subduction.
- Transform Boundaries: At these boundaries, tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause earthquakes along the boundary.
Plate Tectonics and Earth's Features
The movement and interaction of tectonic plates are responsible for several geological features on Earth, including:
- Mountain Ranges: Formed at convergent boundaries where two plates collide and force the land upwards.
- Earthquakes: Often occur at transform boundaries due to the release of built-up energy as plates slide past each other.
- Volcanoes: Formed at convergent boundaries where subduction causes magma to rise to the surface, as well as at divergent boundaries where new crust is formed.
Study Guide
Here are some key concepts to focus on when studying tectonic plates:
- Identify the major tectonic plates and their boundaries on a world map.
- Understand the processes that occur at each type of plate boundary (divergent, convergent, and transform).
- Explore the geological features and phenomena associated with plate tectonics, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation.
- Learn about the historical development of the theory of plate tectonics and the scientists involved in its discovery.
- Discuss the implications of plate tectonics for human societies, including natural hazards and the distribution of natural resources.
Studying tectonic plates is essential for understanding the dynamic processes that shape the Earth's surface and impact human civilization.
[Tectonic Plate] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Heat
The resources above cover the following skills:
PHYSICAL SCIENCE (NGSS)
Energy
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.
Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as either motions of particles or energy stored in fields.