Plate Tectonics

http://vimeo.com/14258924

What is the theory of plate tectonics? The Earth’s lithosphere is

cracked into separate

sections known as plates Geological theory states that

these plates are in

constant, slow motion,

driven by the convection

currents in the mantle

What happens where the plates meet? Plate Boundaries –

where the edges of the

lithosphere meet; faults form along these boundaries:

1. Transform boundaries

a. The place where two

plates slip past each other, moving in

opposite directions

Sketch a diagram of a

transform boundary in your

composition book.

http://geology.com/nsta/transform-plate-boundaries.shtml

Transform Boundary in California: San Andreas fault

2. Divergent Boundariesa. The place where two

plates move apart, or diverge and create a

rift valley

Sketch a diagram of adivergent boundary inyour composition book.

http://geology.com/nsta/divergent-plate-boundaries.shtml

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Ridge

3. Convergent boundaries

a. The place where two plates come

together, or converge creating a collision

b. Subduction occurs at convergent boundaries

                                                       

Sketch a diagram of bothconvergent boundaries in your composition book.

http://geology.com/nsta/convergent-plate-boundaries.shtml

convergent boundary

Glossary Entries1. Plate boundary

2. Transform boundary

3. Divergent boundary

4. Convergent boundary