1. Plate Tectonics

2. 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

3. 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 (move away) –Bump into each other (move towards) –Pass by each other (side by side)

4. Divergent A place where two plates pull apart. A place where two plates pull apart. –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

5. Convergent A place where two plates collide. A place where two plates collide. 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

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

7. 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.

14. Convection Current