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LECTURE-05 13March

Plate tectonics is a theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into semi-rigid plates that interact at their boundaries, causing seismic and volcanic activity. There are three types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform, each characterized by different movements and geological features. Plate motion is driven by mechanisms such as slab pull, ridge push, and mantle drag, resulting from the cooling of Earth's interior and convection processes.

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4 views

LECTURE-05 13March

Plate tectonics is a theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into semi-rigid plates that interact at their boundaries, causing seismic and volcanic activity. There are three types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform, each characterized by different movements and geological features. Plate motion is driven by mechanisms such as slab pull, ridge push, and mantle drag, resulting from the cooling of Earth's interior and convection processes.

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reseracher321
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PLATE TECTONICS

Principles of Plate Tectonics

Plate tectonics is a theory dealing with the dynamics of Earth’s


outer shell, the lithosphere, that revolutionized earth sciences by
providing a uniform context for understanding mountain-building
processes, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

The concept of plate tectonics was formulated in the 1960s.


According to the theory, Earth has a rigid outer layer, known as
the lithosphere, which is about 100 km (60 miles) thick and
overlies a plastic layer called the asthenosphere.
Plate Tectonics Cont..

The earth's lithosphere is-composed of several semi-rigid plates

that move in different directions relative to each other.

These plates move relative to each other, typically at rates of 5

to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) per year, and interact at their

boundaries (Converge, diverge, slip past/transform).


Plate Tectonics Cont..

 Such interactions are thought to be responsible for mostof

Earth’s seismic and volcanic activity, although earthquakes and

volcanoes
Plate Boundaries

 Three Types of Motions, extension, compression, and shear are

accountable for relative palte movements:

1. Divergent plate boundaries

2. Convergent plate boundaries

3. Transform plate boundaries


Divergent Plate Boundaries

They are the places where two or more plates move away from
each other. These boundaries can be found on continental or
oceanic lithosphere.

Tensional stress operates between the tectonic plates at a


divergent boundary, which causes the lithosphere at these
locations to stretch and pull apart.

Divergent boundaries slowly grow ocean basins within


continental lithosphere.
Divergent Boundaries: Creating
Oceans
Continental Rifting and Ocean Formation

Plates start to separate.

Rising magma stretches and thins crust.

Mantle pressure lowers and forms more magma.

In early stages of rifting, the continent settles along faults.

Settling fault blocks form a steep-walled rift valley.


Mid-Ocean Ridges and Ocean Opening

 Mid-ocean ridges are produced by extension and separation

 they found in all the world’s major oceans.

With seafloor spreading, the crust moves away from midocean

ridges to form the flat, abyssal plain of the deep ocean.


Convergent plate Boundaries

 A convergent plate boundary exists where two plates move toward one

another.

 Converging plates that carry continents will produce mountain ranges, like

the Alps and Himalaya Mountains.

 when the continents collide at a convergent plate boundary one plate slides

under another, a plate with oceanic crust (more dense) will slide under a

plate with continenttal crust (less dense).


Convergent plate Boundaries cont..

 There are three Types of Convergent Plate Boundaries

I. Ocean-Ocean • Deep ocean trenches • Island arc volcanoes

II. Ocean-Continent • Deep ocean trenches Continental arc

volcanoes

III. Continent-Continent • Fold and thrust mountain belts


Transform plate Boundaries

 A third type of plate boundary is a transform plate boundary.

This occurs where two plates slide past each other.

 No lithosphere is formed here and none is destroyed.


Plate-Driving Mechanisms

 Plate motion is thought to be driven by cooling of Earth’s interior by convection.

 Plates may be propelled by three types of force:

I. Slab Pull: the weight of the subducting slab pulls the rest of the plate behind it.

II. Ridge Push: the plate slides downslope toward a trench from the ridge crest.

III. Mantle Drag: the plates are carried by convection currents of the hot ductile rock

of the asthenosphere below it.

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