Tectonic Plates and Geological Processes

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Tectonic Plates

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Large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

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Plate Boundary

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The edge where two tectonic plates meet. Types include divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

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Divergent Plate Boundary

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A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often forming new crust, such as at mid-ocean ridges.

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Convergent Plate Boundary

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A boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other, leading to one plate being forced beneath the other or the creation of mountain ranges.

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Transform Plate Boundary

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A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past one another horizontally, causing friction and leading to earthquakes.

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Lithosphere

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The rigid outer layer of the Earth, composed of the crust and upper mantle, characterized by its strength and ability to bear loads.

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Asthenosphere

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The semi-fluid layer of the upper mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing for the movement of tectonic plates due to its plasticity.

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Fault

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A fracture or zone of fractures in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred, typically associated with tectonic activity.

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Mid-Ocean Ridge

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An underwater mountain range formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent plate boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created.

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Sea-Floor Spreading

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The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and slowly moves away from the ridge, causing the ocean floor to expand.