Tectonic Plates
Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere underneath. These plates are constantly moving, and interactions between them can cause earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.
Types of Tectonic Plate Boundaries
There are three main types of tectonic plate boundaries:
- Divergent Boundaries: These occur where tectonic plates are moving away from each other. This movement can create rift valleys and mid-ocean ridges.
- Convergent Boundaries: These occur where tectonic plates are moving towards each other. This can result in the formation of mountains, volcanic activity, and subduction zones.
- Transform Boundaries: These occur where tectonic plates are sliding past each other horizontally. This movement can cause earthquakes.
Impact on Earth's Surface
The movement and interactions of tectonic plates have a significant impact on the Earth's surface. They can lead to the formation of new landforms, the movement of continents, and the release of seismic energy in the form of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Study Guide
Here are some key points to remember about tectonic plates:
- What are tectonic plates?
- What are the three main types of tectonic plate boundaries?
- How do tectonic plates impact the Earth's surface?
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