The Theory The Theory of Plate Tectonicsof Plate Tectonics

By: Geo T.By: Geo T.

Plate TectonicsPlate Tectonics The outermost part of the Earth The outermost part of the Earth

is made of two layersis made of two layers• Lithosphere – the crust and mantleLithosphere – the crust and mantle• Asthenosphere – the viscous part Asthenosphere – the viscous part

of the mantleof the mantle

Plate Tectonics Cont.Plate Tectonics Cont. The Lithosphere floats on the The Lithosphere floats on the

Asthenosphere. Asthenosphere. The Lithosphere is broken up The Lithosphere is broken up

into tectonic plates.into tectonic plates.

The PlatesThe Plates

* Hover over for names

MovementMovement The plates move in relation to The plates move in relation to

each other and form three different each other and form three different types of plate boundaries:types of plate boundaries:• ConvergentConvergent• DivergentDivergent• TransformTransform

ConvergentConvergent Occurs when plates collide. There are Occurs when plates collide. There are

three types.three types.

DivergentDivergent Occur when to plates are moving Occur when to plates are moving

apart and new crust is created apart and new crust is created by magma pushing up from the by magma pushing up from the Earth’s mantleEarth’s mantle

TransformTransform Occurs where plates grind past each otherOccurs where plates grind past each other