Plate tectonics
Plate Tectonics
Plate tectonics (/pleɪt tɛkˈtɒnɪks/) is a scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of seven large plates and the movements of a larger number of smaller plates of the Earth's lithosphere, since tectonic processes began on Earth between 3.3 and 3.5 billion years ago.
Etymology
The term "tectonics" originates from the Late Latin tectonicus, from Ancient Greek τεκτονικός (tektonikos), meaning 'pertaining to building'. The term "plate" is derived from the Old French, from Latin "plattus", meaning 'flat'.
Theory
The theory of plate tectonics postulates that the Earth's crust, or lithosphere, is broken into a number of large and small pieces, or plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below and move independently of one another, often colliding, which can cause earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Major and Minor Plates
The seven major plates include the African Plate, Antarctic Plate, Eurasian Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, North American Plate, Pacific Plate, and South American Plate. There are also many minor plates such as the Arabian Plate, Caribbean Plate, Nazca Plate, and Scotia Plate.
Plate Boundaries
There are three kinds of plate boundaries: Divergent boundaries, Convergent boundaries, and Transform boundaries, each with its own type of seismic activity and tectonic processes.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plate tectonics
- Wikipedia's article - Plate tectonics
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