Plate Tectonic Theory

PLATE TECTONICS THEORY (CONTINENTAL DRIFT)
Plate tectonics is a theory that explains the movement of Earth’s lithosphere, composed of plates
that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere. The concept began to take shape in the early 20th
century but wasn’t widely accepted until the mid-20th century.
History:
1. In the early 1900’s, Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, suggesting that
continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangea and had drifted
apart. However, Wegener’s ideas lacked a mechanism to explain how continents moved.
2. In the 1960’s, advancements in technology, such as sonar and mapping techniques,
supported the theory. Harry Hess introduced the concept of seafloor spreading, suggesting
that molten materials rising from the Earth’s mantle was creating new oceanic crust at mid-
ocean ridges, pushing older crust away on both sides. This provided a mechanism for the
movement of continents.
3. The integration of Wegener’s continental drift and Hess’s seafloor spreading culminated in
the plate tectonic theory, revolutionizing our understanding of Earth’s dynamics and
geology. It explained earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain formation, and the distribution
of fossils and rocks across continents, leading to its wide acceptance in the scientific
community.
Evidence supporting this theory includes:
1. Fit of Continents: The coastlines of continents, especially those of South America and
Africa, seem to fit together like pieces of jigsaw puzzle.
2. Fossil Evidence: Identical fossils of plants and animals found on continents that are now
widely separated by oceans suggest that these landmasses were once connected.
3. Rock Formations and Mountain Ranges: Geological similarities, such as identical rock
formations and mountain ranges, are found on continents that are now far apart, indicating
they were once part of the same land masses.
4. Paleoclimatic Evidence: Evidence of past climates, like glacial deposits found in regions
that are now tropical. It supports the idea that these areas were once located in different
positions on Earth.
5. Ocean Floor Mapping: Studies of the ocean floor revealed mid-ocean ridges, trenches,
and magnetic striping that supported the idea of seafloor spreading and continental
movement.
6. Paleomagnetism: Magnetic minerals in rocks show evidence of Earth’s magnetic field at
the time the rocks were formed, indicating past positions and movements of continents.
SEAFLOOR SPREADING
It is a fundamental process in plate tectonics that occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic
crust is formed through volcanic activity. Here’s how it works:
1. Magma Upwelling: At the mid-ocean ridges, magma (molten rock) from the Earth’s mantle
rises up through fissures and fractures in the ocean floor due to heat and pressure from
below.
2. Magma Solidification: When the magma reaches the ocean floor, it cools and solidifies,
forming new oceanic crust. As this process continues, it creates a continuous flow of new
crust on either side of the ridge.
3. Spreading and Movement: The newly formed crust pushes the existing older crust away
from the ridge, much like a conveyor belt. This movement pushes the tectonic plates apart
from each other.
4. Magnetic Striping: As the new crust forms, iron minerals in the magma align themselves
with the Earth’s magnetic field. When the minerals solidify, they lock in the magnetic
orientation of that time. This creates parallel stripes of alternating magnetic polarity on the
ocean floor, providing evidence for seafloor spreading.
PLATE TECTONIC BOUNDARIES

This refers to the areas where the Earth’s lithospheric plates interact with each other.
THREE MAIN TYPES

1. Divergent Boundaries- tectonic plates move away from each other. This occur primarily at
mid- ocean ridges, where seafloor spreading creates new oceanic crust. It results in the
formation of new crust and contributes to the widening of ocean basins.
2. Convergent Boundaries- it occurs when two tectonic plates move toward with each other.
When these plates collide, one plate can be forced beneath the other in a process called
subduction. This collision can result in the formation of mountain ranges, volcanic activity,
and deep ocean trenches.
3. Transform Boundaries- occur when two plates slide each other horizontally. The
movement at these boundaries is typically characterized by strike-slip faults. This
movement can cause earthquakes as the plates grind against each other.
Certainly, the movement of plate tectonic boundaries has both positive and negative impact on
Earth.
Positive Impacts:
1. Formation of Landforms: Plate movements contribute to the creation of diverse landforms
such as mountain ranges, volcanic arcs, and ocean ridges. This geological activity provides
habitats for various life forms and contributes to the Earth’s natural beauty.
2. Mineral Resources: Tectonic activity concentrates mineral deposits in certain regions. Ore
deposits, valuable minerals, and resources like gold, copper, and rare earth elements are
often associated with tectonically active areas.
3. Geothermal Energy: Regions with tectonic activity, such as along plate boundaries, often
have geothermal resources. These areas can harness geothermal energy for electricity
generation and heating purposes.
Negative Impacts:
1. Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Plates movement can result in earthquakes, which can
cause significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and communities. Subduction zones
and other tectonic interactions can also trigger tsunamis, causing widespread destruction
along coastlines.
2. Volcanic Eruptions: Tectonic plate movement can lead to volcanic eruptions, releasing
molten lava, ash, and gases. These eruptions can devastate local environments, disrupt
ecosystems, and affect air quality over large areas.
3. Natural Hazards: The movement of tectonic plates is associated with various natural
hazards like landslides, subsidence, and the opening of fissures, which can threaten human
settlements and infrastructure.

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PLATE TECTONICS THEORY (CONTINENTAL DRIFT)

PLATE TECTONIC BOUNDARIES

THREE MAIN TYPES

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