Plate Tectonics
Scientific conceptAbout
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains the movement of Earth's crust, providing a framework for understanding geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation. The Earth's lithosphere, a rigid outer layer, is divided into several large and small tectonic plates. These plates move relative to each other at rates of about 5 to 10 cm per year, driven by forces like mantle convection and gravity. The interactions between plates occur at their boundaries, where they converge, diverge, or slide past each other. The theory of plate tectonics revolutionized Earth sciences by offering a unified explanation for the dynamic processes shaping the planet's surface. It incorporates concepts like seafloor spreading and continental drift, showing how continents have moved over millions of years. The movement of plates results in geological events such as the formation of mountain ranges and oceanic trenches. Plate tectonics has become a cornerstone of modern geology, providing insights into Earth's history and the ongoing processes that shape its surface.
