How do tectonic plates shape the Earth's geographical features?.

Tectonic plates are massive slabs of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, significantly shaping the planet's geographical features. Their movements can lead to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and oceanic trenches, resulting in diverse landscapes and climates across the globe.

Key Facts

• The Earth's lithosphere is divided into about 15 major tectonic plates.
• Plate movements can cause earthquakes, with approximately 80% occurring along plate boundaries.
• The Himalayas were formed from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, starting around 50 million years ago.
• Ocean basins, like the Pacific, are formed by divergent plate boundaries where plates move apart.

Examples or Use Cases

• The San Andreas Fault in California illustrates how transform boundaries can lead to significant seismic activity.
• The Mid-Atlantic Ridge demonstrates how divergent boundaries create new ocean floor.

FAQs

• What are tectonic plates? Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's crust that move and interact.
• Why do tectonic plates move? They move due to convection currents in the mantle beneath them.