How do tectonic plates influence global geography in 2024?.

Tectonic plates are massive sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, significantly impacting global geography. They are responsible for the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and ocean trenches. In 2024, the movements of these plates continue to shape continents and oceanic regions, affecting natural disasters and ecological systems worldwide.

Key Facts

• The Earth's lithosphere is divided into about 15 major tectonic plates.
• Plate movements can cause earthquakes, with over 2 million occurring annually.
• The Himalayas were formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates around 50 million years ago.
• The Pacific Plate is the largest tectonic plate, covering 103 million square kilometers.

Examples or Use Cases

• Earthquakes in California are often attributed to the San Andreas Fault, a transform boundary.
• The Ring of Fire is an area of high seismic activity due to tectonic plate interactions in the Pacific Ocean.

FAQs

What causes tectonic plates to move? Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the Earth's mantle caused by heat from the core.

How do tectonic plates affect climate? The movement of tectonic plates can influence ocean currents and, subsequently, climate patterns.