Plate tectonics describes the movement of large plates of Earth's lithosphere over the softer, semi-fluid asthenosphere. Driven by convection currents in the mantle, this movement causes geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mountain formation, and ocean trench development. It also explains the creation and breakup of supercontinents over millions of years.
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The theory of plate tectonics explains Earth's geological activity by describing how the lithosphere is divided into rigid plates that move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere. Interactions at plate boundaries—divergent, convergent, and transform—cause earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain formation, and the creation of oceanic trenches, shaping Earth's surface over time.
The theory of plate tectonics explains Earth's geological activity by proposing that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into large, rigid plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. These plates are constantly moving, driven by forces such as mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push. As plates interact at their boundaries, they can diverge, converge, or slide past each other, leading to various geological phenomena. For example, divergent boundaries (where plates move apart) create mid-ocean ridges and volcanic activity, convergent boundaries (where plates collide) can form mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and trigger earthquakes, while transform boundaries (where plates slide past) can cause faulting and seismic activity. This dynamic movement is responsible for shaping Earth's surface over time.