1. The Dynamic Earth Plate Tectonics

2. Plate Tectonics
Plate tectonics is a proven “theory” that describes the formation, movement, and interaction of lithospheric plates.
Lithosphere – is broken into plates that “ride” on the mantle

3. Causes of Plate Motion
Mantle Convection

4. Mantle Convection
These convection cells in the mantle can move the lithosphere (plates) in several ways.

5. Matter is heated = density is decreased = matter rises (Remember…
Matter is heated = density is decreased = matter rises (Remember….Hot air rises!)
Matter is cooled = density is increased = matter sinks

6. 16 Hot rocks rising and falling in the mantle/asthenosphere is called convection.
17 Heat from the mantle and core creates convection currents.

7. 18 Lithospheric plates on the scales of continents and oceans constantly move.
19 The lithosphere is divided into separate plates which move very slowly in response to the mantle.

9. #20 Plate movement causes major geologic events such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain formation.

10. # 21. The theory of plate tectonics connects the evidence for the formation, movement, and destruction of the plates.