Build a mind you’re proud of.
The surface is moving beneath us
Plate tectonics describes motion of Earth's lithospheric plates.
The idea
Plates separate, converge or slide past one another. Their boundaries help explain patterns of earthquakes, volcanoes and mountain building.
An example
A band of earthquakes can trace the boundary between moving plates.
Put it into practice
Look at boundaries when interpreting geological patterns.
Further reading: USGS · Understanding Plate Motions ↗
Test yourself: Why are many earthquakes concentrated in bands?
Many occur near moving plate boundaries
Plate interaction concentrates many geological processes along boundaries.
Explanation and illustrative examples by One Card Wiser. Source linked for further reading.
Open this card in the app →