What is plate tectonics?
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how major landforms are created as a result of Earth’s subterranean movements. The theory, which solidified in the 1960s, transformed the earth sciences by explaining many phenomena, including mountain building events, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
What is the definition of tectonic?
the movement of continents resulting from the motion of tectonic plates. the sudden shaking of Earth’s crust caused by the release of energy along fault lines or from volcanic activity. relationship between two or more forces, objects, or organisms. outer, solid portion of the Earth.
What is the rate at which the tectonic plates move?
Due to the convection of the asthenosphere and lithosphere, the plates move relative to each other at different rates, from two to 15 centimeters (one to six inches) per year.
What is Wilson’s theory of plate tectonics?
Wilson’s explanation gave further support to plate tectonics. Today, the theory is almost universally accepted. Tectonic plate boundaries, like the San Andreas Fault pictured here, can be the sites of mountain-building events, volcanoes, or valley or rift creation.