Tectonic Plates

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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What is the lithosphere?

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The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.

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What is a convergent plate boundary?

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A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to subduction.

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What is a divergent plate boundary?

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A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a transform plate boundary?

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A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and earthquakes.

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

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What is the mantle?

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The mantle is the layer of the Earth located beneath the crust, composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly over time.

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What is the crust?

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The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, which is solid and relatively thin compared to the other layers.

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What is the core of the Earth?

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The core is the innermost layer of the Earth, consisting of a solid inner core and a liquid outer core, primarily made of iron and nickel.

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What causes earthquakes?

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Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates.