Plate Tectonics

Parts of the Earth The plates that move on the Earth’s surface are made up of the crust and upper mantle (Lithosphere) The plates that move on the Earth’s surface are made up of the crust and upper mantle (Lithosphere)Lithosphere

Plate Boundaries The place where two plates meet is called a plate boundary. The place where two plates meet is called a plate boundary.plate boundaryplate boundary There are three ways plates act at a boundary. They can: There are three ways plates act at a boundary. They can: –Pull apart –Bump into each other –Pass by each other

Divergent A place where two plates pull apart is called a Divergent Boundary. A place where two plates pull apart is called a Divergent Boundary. –This separation causes a rift valley to be formed. rift valleyrift valley –The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a product of a divergent boundary. Mid-Atlantic Ridge Mid-Atlantic Ridge Boundary

Convergent A place where two plates collide is called a Convergent Boundary. A place where two plates collide is called a Convergent Boundary. A subduction zone forms when one of the plates slides under the other. A subduction zone forms when one of the plates slides under the other.subduction zone subduction zone –Volcanoes are formed above these zones. Boundary

Transform A place where two plates slide is called a Transform Boundary A place where two plates slide is called a Transform Boundary –Earthquakes occur along transform boundaries. –An example of a transform boundary is the San Andreas Fault in California. San Andreas FaultSan Andreas Fault Boundary

How do the Plates Move? Convection Currents cause the Earths plates to move Convection Currents cause the Earths plates to move Convection Currents Convection Currents The cyclic heating, rising, cooling, and sinking of magma in the Earth’s mantle causes these currents. The cyclic heating, rising, cooling, and sinking of magma in the Earth’s mantle causes these currents.

Convection Current