What are the key features of tectonic plates in geography?.

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. Their movements are driven by convection currents within the Earth's mantle, leading to various geological phenomena.

Key Facts

• The Earth's lithosphere is divided into approximately 15 major tectonic plates.
• The movement of these plates can lead to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.
• Major plates include the Pacific Plate, North American Plate, Eurasian Plate, and African Plate.
• The theory of plate tectonics was developed in the early 20th century and became widely accepted in the 1960s.

Examples or Use Cases

• The Himalayas were formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
• The San Andreas Fault in California is an example of a transform boundary where two plates slide past each other.

FAQs

• What causes tectonic plates to move?
  • Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the mantle, gravity, and slab pull.
• How do tectonic plates affect climate?
  • The movement and interaction of tectonic plates can influence ocean currents and wind patterns, thus affecting climate over long periods.