The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth’s solid outer crust, the lithosphere, is separated into plates that move over the asthenosphere The asthenosphere is the highly viscous, mechanically weak and ductilely deforming region of the upper mantle of the Earth. It lies below the lithosphere, at depths between approximately 80 and 200 km (50 and 120 miles) below the surface. The Lithosphere-Asthenosphere boundary is usu…Asthenosphere
What is the theory of plate tectonics?
Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core. The plates act like a hard and rigid shell compared to Earth’s mantle. This strong outer layer is called the lithosphere.
Which way do the tectonic plates move?
Each plate moves over Earth's hot semi-plastic mantle. The theory of plate tectonics states that Earth's surface is made of rigid slabs of rock, or plates, that move with respect to each other.
What is a tectonic plate boundary?
Tectonic plate boundaries, like the San Andreas Fault pictured here, can be the sites of mountain-building events, volcanoes, or valley or rift creation. Photograph by Georg Gerster Encyclopedic EntryVocabulary Plate tectonicsis a scientific theory that explains how major landforms are created as a result of Earth’s subterranean movements.
What is the definition of tectonic?
the movement of continents resulting from the motion of tectonic plates. the sudden shaking of Earth's crust caused by the release of energy along fault lines or from volcanic activity. relationship between two or more forces, objects, or organisms. outer, solid portion of the Earth.
How does the theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of the continents and oceans?
Plate motions cause mountains to rise where plates push together, or converge, and continents to fracture and oceans to form where plates pull apart, or diverge. The continents are embedded in the plates and drift passively with them, which over millions of years results in significant changes in Earth's geography.
What are the three theories explaining plate tectonic movement?
Plate Tectonics Theory The plates are moved around on Earth's surface by seafloor spreading. Convection in the mantle drives seafloor spreading. Oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges. The crust moves outward from the ridge over time.
What does the theory of plate tectonics state simple answer?
The theory states that the earth's crust is divided into massive slabs known as tectonic plates. These plates move on the mantle which is a layer made of magma, which consists of semisolid rocks. The heat from earth's core causes convection currents much like in a beaker full of water.
Why is the theory of plate tectonics so important?
Plate tectonics explains why and where earthquakes occur. This makes it possible to make predictions about earthquakes. Plate tectonics explains why and where mountains are formed. The oceans according to plate tectonics are formed by divergent boundaries.
What are at least 3 of the lines of evidence for plate tectonics?
There is variety of evidence that supports the claims that plate tectonics accounts for (1) the distribution of fossils on different continents, (2) the occurrence of earthquakes, and (3) continental and ocean floor features including mountains, volcanoes, faults, and trenches.
What is the theory of plate tectonics quizlet?
plate tectonics. The theory of plate tectonics states that Earth's surface is made of rigid slabs of rock, or plates, that move with respect to each other. tectonic plates. Earth's tectonic plates are large pieces of lithosphere. These lithospheric plates fit together like the pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle.
What are the types of plate tectonics?
There are three kinds of plate tectonic boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries.
How does plate tectonics affect humans?
Causes of Plate Tectonics: Plate tectonics affects humans in several important ways. It causes earthquakes. It causes volcanism. It induces recycling of elements within the biosphere and between the geosphere and biosphere. It causes mountain-building.
What happens when natural or human-made structures cross a transform boundary?
These boundaries happen when natural or human-made structures that cross a transform boundary are offset—split into pieces and carried in opposite directions.
What is the outermost layer of the Earth?
This strong outer layer is called the lithosphere. The earth’s lithosphere is composed of seven or eight major plates and many minor plates. The lithosphere is a rigid outermost shell of earth and is broken up into tectonic plates.
Answer
Upper mantle The theory of the plate tectonics uses the convection cells in the upper mantle layer as the foundation for the movement of the continents. To put it simple the process is explained like the convection cells create a lot of pressure, that pressure, supported by the high temperatures and magma, influence the crust above, and manage to crack it on certain places.
New questions in Physics
The two block in (Figure 1) are at rest on frictionless surfaces. What must be the mass of the right block in order that the two blocks remain station …
