Overview
Plate tectonics is a fundamental theory in geology that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere and interact at their boundaries, leading to various geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcan...
Key Terms
Example: The Pacific Plate is one of the largest tectonic plates.
Example: The lithosphere is broken into tectonic plates.
Example: The asthenosphere is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates.
Example: The Himalayas were formed at a convergent boundary.
Example: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a divergent boundary.
Example: The San Andreas Fault is a transform boundary.
Related Topics
Earthquake Engineering
The study of designing structures to withstand seismic forces from earthquakes.
advancedVolcanology
The study of volcanoes, lava, magma, and related geological phenomena.
intermediateGeological Hazards
The study of natural hazards caused by geological processes, including earthquakes and landslides.
intermediateKey Concepts
Tectonic PlatesPlate BoundariesEarthquakesVolcanoes