2. The Theory of Plate Tectonics 3.3 notes

3. How plates move  The theory of plate tectonics states that pieces of Earth’s lithosphere are in slow, constant motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle.  A plate is a section of the lithosphere that slowly moves over the mantle, carrying pieces of continental and oceanic crust.

5. Plate Boundaries  Faults- breaks in Earth’s crust where rocks slip past each other.  Divergent boundary is the place where 2 plates move apart, or diverge, from each other. A rift valley (deep valley) occurs at divergent boundaries.  Convergent boundaries occur when 2 plates come together, or converge. Mountain ranges form along these boundaries.

6. Plate Boundaries  Transform boundaries occur when 2 plates slip past each other, moving in opposite directions.  Earthquakes often occur along these boundaries.

7. Plate Boundaries