How plate tectonics are part of geologic

surface Lex Pritchett

Plate tectonics are defined as the process and dynamics of tectonic plate movement

In the 1960s the theory of plate tectonics determined that the about the first 60 miles of our planet called the lithosphere, is divided into multiple plates that move a few centimeters every year. Most geological phenomenon's of the earth’s crust, such as earthquakes and volcanoes, occur along the edges of these plates.

There are 3 different types of boundaries between plates depending on the movement between the two plates, there are divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

What are plate tectonics?

The division of the plates

In a divergent boundary, the plates will move apart causing magma to rise from the mantle creating new sea floor which causes oceanic ridges. This process is called seafloor spreading.

Plate boundaries

A convergent boundary is when two plates collide into each other which causes one of the plates to go under the other into the mantle, which is called subduction. The plate that goes underneath will melt and turn into magma, which rises to the overlying continent. Most of it will cool, but some of the magma may rise to the surface, resulting to volcanic eruptions. It believed that this is how mountain ranges such as the Andes and the Cascade range came to be.

Plate boundaries

When two plates slide passed each other in opposite directions without either destroying a creating lithosphere, it is called a transform boundary. This creates a fracture zone between the two plates known as a transform fault. A transform fault is formed between two different plates, each moving away from the spreading center of a divergent plate boundary. Two examples of transform faults are San Andreas Fault and the Alpine Fault.

Plate boundaries

Transform Boundary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb9e35tyCE4

Video link

What process has occurred when two plates move apart causing magma to rise from the mantle creating new sea floor?

K.S.