Plate Tectonics The Earth' crust is broken into various chunks called “plates” These plates do not stay in one place, this movement is referred to as “Plate Tectonics” The movement is caused by the convection currents in Earth's mantle.

Plate Tectonic Theory Alfred Wegener came up with the theory that our continents were once a large landmass called Pangaea. He inferred where the plates used to be based on the puzzle like fit and the fossils found on continents now far away from each other.

Plate Tectonics

Major Plates: Eurasian Plate – found under the continents of Europe and Asia Indo-Austrailian Plate – found under India, the Indian Ocean, and Australia Pacific Plate – found under the Pacific Ocean North American Plate – found underthe continent of North America South American Plate – found under the continent of South America African Plate – found under the continent of Africa Plate Tectonics