Tectonic Plates

Question 1

States that the Earth’s layer is fragmented into small or large tectonic plates.

Answer 1

Plate Tectonic Theory

Question 2

Rigid sections of the lithosphere that move as a unit.

Answer 2

Plates

Question 3

What is the composition of tectonic plates?

Answer 3

Tectonic plates are made up of pieces of the Earth’s crust and the upper mantle (lithosphere).

Question 4

How are continental and oceanic crust different?

Answer 4

Oceanic crust is mostly basaltic rocks, while continental crust consists primarily of granitic rocks.

Question 5

What is the typical size range of tectonic plates?

Answer 5

Tectonic plates are around 100 km (62 mi) in size.

Question 6

Largest plates, comprising the bulk of the continents and the Pacific Ocean, with an area greater than 20 million km2.

Answer 6

Major plates

Question 7

Movement of tectonic plates.

Answer 7

Move slowly but constantly

Question 8

Explains the movement of lithospheric plates and associated geological phenomena.

Answer 8

Plate Tectonic Theory

Question 9

Why are tectonic plates able to move?

Answer 9

Earth’s lithosphere has greater mechanical strength than the underlying asthenosphere.

Question 10

How many major plates are there according to the Plate Tectonic Theory? (PAESINA)

Answer 10

Seven relatively large major plates:
- Pacific Plate
- African Plate
- Eurasian Plate
- South American Plate
- Indo-Australian Plate
- North American Plate
- Antarctic Plate

Question 11

What is the movement of tectonic plates referred to as?

Answer 11

Tectonics

Question 13

What scientific basis is used to divide lithospheric plates?
(3)

Answer 13

• occurrence of earthquake (seismicity)
• volcanic eruptions (volcanism)
• mountain formation

Question 13

How are tectonic plates divided based on size?

Answer 13

Tectonic plates can be major (comprising continents and large ocean areas) or minor (smaller sections).