There are a few handfuls of major plates and dozens. Plate tectonic notes lake dallas independent school district. The theory of plate tectonics grew out of earlier hypotheses and observations collected during exploration of the rocks of the ocean floor. Plate tectonics definition of plate tectonics by merriam. Plate tectonics it was from the continental drift theory, convection current theory and the theory of seafloor spreading, the theory of plate tectonics was formulated. This lesson plan is useful for elementary, secondary, middle school, and university students. Brainpop plate tectonics and earths structure brainpop offers a videos and other resources about plate tectonics and earths structure. Magma rises into and through the other plate, solidifying into granite, the rock that makes up the continents.
Like the scientists before us, we will now merge the ideas of continental drift and seafloor spreading into the theory of plate tectonics. Plate techtonics definition of plate techtonics by the. Convergence data are shown by arrows describing direction and speed, relative to the plate across the boundary. Plate margins can be places where the plates diverge, converge, or slip laterally past each other. Plate tectonics, theory dealing with the dynamics of earths outer shell that revolutionized earth sciences by providing a uniform context for understanding mountainbuilding processes, volcanoes, and earthquakes as well as the evolution of earths surface and reconstructing its past continents and oceans. The definition of tectonic plates for kids involves thinking of the earths crust as large slabs that move over a liquid mantle. The theory of plate tectonics gained widespread acceptance only in the 1960s.
What are the different types of plate tectonic boundaries. But learning about it during the last 40 years has given scientists many theoretical tools to understand other planets, even those that circle other stars. I think it is interesting to consider how long the plate tectonics revolution took to unfold. Theory of plate tectonics earths plates are in constant, slow motion between 2. Perhaps the most dramatic example of the potential impact of plate tectonics on life occurred near the end of the permian period roughly 299 million to 252 million years ago. Locations of earthquakes and volcanoes show the plate boundaries and ocean floor features. In the lab, the students will discover that a contracting earth only produces. Plate tectonics, theory dealing with the dynamics of earths outer shell that revolutionized earth sciences by providing a uniform context for understanding mountainbuilding processes, volcanoes, and earthquakes as well as the evolution of earths surface. Plate tectonics and sea level change coastal processes. Archived from the original pdf on 23 july 2011norwegian geological survey. According to the theory of plate tectonics, the earths crust and upper mantle are broken into moving plates. The fundamental concepts for geosynclinal theory were introduced in james halls presidential address for the geological society of america at the meeting of the american association for the advancement of science at montreal in 1857 knopf, 649. Draw a time series for different types of plate boundaries and their motions, indicating the related surface features.
Thus, at convergent boundaries, continental crust is created and oceanic crust is destroyed. If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. Earths crust consists of plates that move or float on the mantle. Continental drift, sea floor spreading and plate tectonics plate tectonics is a theory developed in the late 1960s, to explain how the outer layers of the earth move and deform. We now know that, directly or indirectly, plate tectonics influences nearly. In geological terms, a plate is a rigid plate of solid rock that forms the surface of the earth lithosphere, floating above the igneous and molten rock that forms the center of the planet asthenosphere. I also organized a few teacher notes on plate tectonics to help guide class discussions today. These convergent boundaries also occur where a plate of ocean. Theory of plate tectonics explains why the plates of the earth are moving.
When the concept of seafloor spreading came along, scientists recognized that it was the mechanism to explain how continents could move around earths surface. The theory of plate tectonics describes how the plates move, interact, and change the physical landscape. Plasienka encyclopedia of life support systems eolss oceans during the earths history. The earths plates jostle about in fits and starts that are punctuated with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Plate techtonics synonyms, plate techtonics pronunciation, plate techtonics translation, english dictionary definition of plate techtonics.
Key concepts include e changes in earths crust due to plate tectonics. In the early 1960s, the emergence of the theoryof plate tectonicsstarted a revolution in the earth sciences. Several events contributed to the permian extinction that caused the permanent disappearance of half of earths known biological families. The plates average about 80 kilometers 50 miles in thickness. Under the plates is a weaker layer of partially melted rock. Geologists recognize three major types of plate boundaries based on their mode of interaction. Ret 2006, rev 2 7 introduction to plate tectonic theory, geodesy, and vlbi the plate tectonic theory is a relatively new, accepted only around 50 years ago. Looking at the world map, what dolooking at the world map, what do you notice about the shape of theyou notice about the shape of the continents. According to the theory of plate tectonics, the earths lithosphere is broken into distinct plates which are. Our understanding of plate tectonics is defined by the way. The theory of plate tectonics grew out of earlier hypotheses and observations. Note that the pdf figures in this paper, if downloaded to the. The earth is composed of layers of different composition and physical properties, principally the solid central core, the fluid peripheral core, the viscous mantle, and the solid.
Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The theory, or idea, of plate tectonics says that earth s outer layer is made up of large, moving pieces called plates. Plate tectonics has had a profound affect on earths geologic and biologic history. Plate tectonics, our major paradigm for how the earth works, was established in the 1960ies following decades of observational research that culminated in key discoveries such as geomagnetic. A dipping planar zone descending away from a trench and defined by high seismicity, interpreted as the shear zone between a sinking oceanic. Learn definitions plate tectonics with free interactive flashcards. Continental crust underlies much of the earths land surface. About 50 years earlier, german geophysicist alfred wegener 18801930 developed a related theory known as continental drift. From the deepest ocean trench to the tallest mountain, plate tectonics explains the features and. Explain which types of plate boundaries create crust, and which destroy crust.
The theory has caused a revolution in the way we think about the earth. Plate tectonics the earths crust is divided into 12 major plates which are moved in various directions. Plate tectonics is among the most important geological processes. Students participate in a jigsaw activity to learn about types of plate boundaries, becoming an expert in one of five global datasets earthquakes, volcanoes, seafloor age, topography, and gravity and then sharing their expertise to build connections between the different datasets. Plate tectonics is the theory that explains how large pieces of the earths outermost layer, called tectonic plates, move and change shape. Wegener contended that the positions of earths continents are not fixed. Earth surface processes have operated during the phanerozoic eon. On the grid, draw a line to show the relative age of the bedrock samples between these locations. Earthquakes and volcanoes help locating plate boundaries. Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of the earth how did the theory develop.
The tectonic processes at work on the earth influence the size of ocean basins and therefore, sea level in many, complex ways. Notes plate tectonics continental drift alfred wegener came up with the theory of continental drift idea that all of the continents were once joined together in a single landmass called pangaea and have since moved to their current positions. Current plate boundaries are defined by their seismicity. Identify the tectonic plate motion that is causing an increase in the distance between south america and africa. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the largescale motion of seven large plates and the movements of a larger number of smaller plates of the earths lithosphere. Geosynclinal theory the emergence and evolution of plate. Convergent boundaries oceanicoceanic convergent boundary subduction occurs in plate tectonic theory, the lithosphere is broken into tectonic plates, which undergo some large. Deduce the type of plate boundary given images or descriptions of surface features. The theory of plate tectonics geology lumen learning. Continental drift, sea floor spreading and plate tectonics. Gottesman hall of planet earth and use what they have learned to complete a ccssaligned writing task, creating an illustrated text about how plate tectonics plays a role in specific earth formations. Study 16 terms plate tectonics definition flashcards. Plate tectonics definition in the cambridge english.
The geoscientific community accepted plate tectonic theory after seafloor spreading was validated in the early 1960s. Surface observations and seismic waves showed that the earths interior was solid. Since the development of the theory, geologists have had to reexamine almost every aspect of. In 1967, mckenzie and parker suggested the theory of plate tectonics. Choose from 500 different sets of definitions plate tectonics flashcards on quizlet. How would solid material accomodate movement in this solid body. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website. Plate tectonics is an expression of the convective regime in the underlying mantle, but the link between individual convection cells and plate boundaries is not direct because plate boundaries are not fixed and, like the plates, move relative to one another. Tectonic plates california institute of technology. The earth is the only planet known to currently have plate tectonics. Bedrock samples were taken at the midocean ridge and points b and c. Tectonic plate a tectonic plate also called lithospheric plate. In this plate tectonic framework, large scale deformation is the local response of the lithosphere to induced stresses.
Tectonic plates plate boundary referenced from bird, peter 2003 an updated digital model of plate boundaries. Takehome messages earths geology is dominated by the processes of plate tectonics. This is a list of tectonic plates on the earths surface. Size and position of these plates change over time. Students will read contentrich texts, visit the david s. Developed from the 1950s through the 1970s, plate tectonics is the modern version of continental drift, a theory first proposed by scientist alfred wegener in 1912. Not only is everything evidence for plate tectonics, but plate tectonics explains everything. The main notions that characterize the principles of plate tectonics are continental drift, seafloor spreading, oceanic crust subduction, and. Explains how plates move and form since youve been alive, plates have moved more than 180 centimeters. Plate tectonics definition of plate tectonics by lexico. Interaction of plates along their boundaries controls the distribution of most earthquakes and volcanoes as well as the formation of mountain ranges. Lithosphere is divided into plates that slide around on top of the slowly moving mesosphere tectonic plates it occurred after the breakup of pangaea, and since then the continents.
Movement is caused by convection currents in the mantle. Crust is continuously being regenerated and removed. Introduction to plate tectonic theory, geodesy, and vlbi. Not all plate boundaries are easily defined, especially for ancient pieces of crust. Plate tectonics meaning in the cambridge english dictionary. The plate tectonics gizmo shows a crosssection, or side view, of earth. Plate tectonics describes the distribution and motion of the plates. I prepared for todays lesson by projecting and tracing the following document plate tectonics template on a large bulletin board paper. Tectonic plate is a massive, irregularlyshaped slab of solid rock, generally composed of both continental and oceanic lithosphere. Plate tectonics is a theory of geology developed to explain the phenomenon of continental drift and is currently the theory accepted by the vast majority of scientists working in this area. Tectonic plates or huge slabs of solid rocks separate, collide, and slide past each other causing earthquakes, feeding volcanic eruptions, and raising mountains. Geological understanding of plate tectonics durham university. The main idea theory was proposed by alfred wegener in 1912. Earths crust and upper mantle are divided into plates.
Mountains form and earthquakes shake at tectonic plate boundaries, where new landforms rise and fall. Matching rocks rocks found on south america and africa match up. The earths crust is made up of seven main tectonic plates and numerous smaller plates. It was drawn in this unusual orientation to handle certain distortions inherent to representing a curved surface earth on a flat piece of paper map.
Bird, peter 2003 an updated digital model of plate boundaries also available as a large mb pdf file. Lithosphere is divided into plates that slide around on top of the slowly moving mesosphere tectonic plates it occurred after the breakup of. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the largescale motion of seven large plates and. Plate tectonics, theory dealing with the dynamics of earths outer shell that revolutionized earth sciences by providing a uniform context for. Any other reproduction, for use or sale, is prohibited any other reproduction, for use or sale, is prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher. The paleomagnetic fields in the rocks would indicate a single pole until the continents drift apart. What is the difference between tectonic plates and plate. Key plate tectonics terminology earthquakes and volcanoes. For the rest of us, plate tectonics is a simple theory that helps make sense of the earths face. Geological features of divergent plate boundaries our mission is to provide a free, worldclass education to anyone, anywhere. Plate convergence vectors referenced from united states geological survey. Plate movement is driven by convection in earths mantle.
You will recall from a previous chapter that there are three. Each type of interaction causes a characteristic set of earth structures or tectonic features. The geological theory of plate tectonics and the associated mineralization process relating to the formation of ore deposits is a hugely complicated process with the myriad contributing variables such as rock and fluid compositions, temperature, pressure ph, eh, structure and time, all interacting to provide a host of different outcomes. The major mountainbuilding idea that was supported from the 19 th century and into the 20 th is the geosynclinal theory. This article appeared in a journal published by elsevier. Pdf to understand how plate tectonics became earths dominant mode of convection, we need to address three related problems. At convergent plate boundaries, oceanic crust is often forced down into the mantle where it begins to melt. The mantle contains hot molten rock magma heated by energy from the earths core. At plate boundaries, plates collide, move apart, move under or over each other, or slide past one another. Confirmation of the theory of plate tectonics evidence supporting the theory of plate tectonics. Crust mantle core crust lithosphere plate movement the crust is broken into plates that move. The lithosphere lithosphere is comprised of the upper mantle and the crust, the outer shell of the earth.
From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia plate tectonics from greek, tekton. May 28, 20 concept and definition of tectonic plate what is a tectonic plate. Plate tectonics from wikipedia, the free encyclopedia plate tectonics from the late latin t e c t oni c us, from the greek. Plate tectonics meaning of plate tectonics by lexico. Plate tectonics is the framework in which geologists study and understand the inner workings of the earth. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext. In particular, it describes the processes of mountain building, the growth and behavior of the strong, old cores of continents known as cratons, and the ways in. Plate tectonics examples, body, process, earth, type, form. I need to devote a whole article to plate tectonics to explain this more clearly, but. Plate tectonics the tectonic plates of the world were mapped in the second half of the 20th century.
The following website contains a more detailed and lesson plans on plate tectonics, geodesy, and vlbi. According to the theory of plate tectonics, the earths crust and upper mantle are broken into moving plates of lithosphere. The discovery of earths stripes, in the 1960s, led geologists to accept the theory of plate tectonics. Below is the uncorrected machineread text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapterrepresentative searchable text of each book. Plate tectonics strand earth patterns, cycles, and change topic investigating plate tectonics primary sol 5. Mercators 1538 map was the first to show the lands on both sides of the atlantic. This plate motion causes them to collide, pull apart, or scrape against each other. Plate tectonics this plate tectonics lesson plan involves a classroom activity to help students understand the processes that move and shape earths surface.
Solpass earths crust plate tectonic activities students explore terms, concepts, and various aspects about earths crust and plate tectonics through multiple games. May 28, 2018 plate tectonics is the theory proposing that earths outer rocky shell is divided into seven major and several smaller rigid plates, and that forces generated by heat losses from the planets interior constantly move the plates about. There are several very large plates, each consisting of both oceanic and continental portions. Plate tectonics information and facts national geographic. This phenomena occurs on the boundaries of adjacent plates, which are classified as divergent, convergent and transform boundaries. Plate tectonics is primarily caused by earths cooling mechanism, which generates convection currents in the planets mantle that trigger slow but constant tectonic plate movement. The following list gives an idea of some of these processes and their interactions and feedback mechanisms.