What are the major tectonic plates of the Earth?.

Tectonic plates are large slabs of rock that cover Earth's surface, floating on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. These plates constantly shift, causing earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain-building processes. The major tectonic plates include:

• Pacific Plate: The largest and most significant plate, covering the Pacific Ocean.
• North American Plate: Extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the western edge of the North American continent.
• Eurasian Plate: Covers Europe and Asia, excluding the Indian subcontinent.
• African Plate: Includes the continent of Africa and parts of the Atlantic Ocean.
• South American Plate: Encompasses South America and the Atlantic Ocean to its east.
• Indo-Australian Plate: Comprises Australia and the Indian subcontinent.
• Antarctic Plate: Covers Antarctica and extends to the surrounding ocean floor.

These plates interact at their boundaries, leading to various geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.