Plate Tectonics

The Kamishiro Fault in Japan

Convection currents in Earth’s mantle are incredibly powerful forces. These currents transfer heat from Earth’s core towards its surface, and in the process cause Earth’s crust to move. Earth’s crust is divided into tectonic plates of different sizes and shapes. Over time, these plates shift and move due to the pressure of convection and create landforms and features unique to planet Earth. In this topic, you will learn about the Theory of Plate Tectonics, and the scientific evidence behind tectonic plate movement. You will also discover the three types of tectonic plate boundaries and the specific features that are associated with each plate boundary.

Essential Questions

• What is the Theory of Plate Tectonics?
• What scientific evidence supports the Theory of Plate Tectonics?
• What different plate boundaries exist, and what features occurs at each boundary?