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Plate Tectonics Theory

The document provides an overview of plate tectonics and the theory's origins. It discusses how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move relative to each other. The two main types of lithosphere are continental crust and oceanic crust. Continental crust is composed of lighter igneous rocks like granite and forms the continents. Oceanic crust is denser and younger, composed of basalt and gabbro.

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Hanna Santos (shinerain)
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138 views22 pages

Plate Tectonics Theory

The document provides an overview of plate tectonics and the theory's origins. It discusses how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move relative to each other. The two main types of lithosphere are continental crust and oceanic crust. Continental crust is composed of lighter igneous rocks like granite and forms the continents. Oceanic crust is denser and younger, composed of basalt and gabbro.

Uploaded by

Hanna Santos (shinerain)
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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First Quarter | Unit I

PLATE
TECTONICS
Prepared by:
Sir Law
IRF CHART

To check your prior knowledge, answer the “Initial” column of the


table below.

WHAT IS THE THEORY OF PLATE TECTONICS AND


HOW WERE THE CONTINENTS FORMED?

INITIAL REVISED FINAL


INTRODUCTORY QUESTION

When you heard the words—


PLATE TECTONICS,
what are the initial ideas you have
in your mind?
PLATE TECTONICS
ETYMOLOGY:

TECTONICS
tekton
Greek
(carpenter or to build)
PLATE TECTONICS

It was first used when the PLATE TECTONICS THEORY was


proposed.

According to the Theory of Plate Tectonics,


the Earth's outermost layer, the lithosphere,
is divided into large and small slabs called
tectonic plates or lithospheric plates.
The term tectonic
plates were used first
to describe the
movement of the
lithosphere, now, it is
commonly used to
describe the physical
plates themselves.
The
lithosphere
includes the
brittle upper
portion of
the mantle
and the
crust, the
outermost
layers of
Earth's
structure.
The
lithosphere
rides atop of
asthenosphere,
the denser,
weaker layer
beneath the
lithospheric
mantle.
Since the lithosphere
rides the
asthenosphere, this
enables the plates to
constantly move
relative to one
another, less than 1 cm
to more than 15 cm a
year.
FIRST TYPE OF LITHOSPHERE

THE CONTINENTAL CRUST

A The solid ground we


stand.

B Volcanic eruptions
creates continental
crusts with igneous
rocks such as granite,
which is lighter.
PARTS OF THE CONTINENTAL CRUST

A BASEMENT ROCK

B The oldest foundation


which is estimated to
be four billion years
old, and is made of
volcanic rocks and
granite.
PARTS OF THE CONTINENTAL CRUST

A THE PLATFORMS

B The younger layer of


continental crust,
which is made of
sedimentary rocks.
PARTS OF THE CONTINENTAL CRUST

A THE CRATONS
B When platforms are
connected with basement
rocks, they are called
cratons.
C They are generally found
in the interior of the
tectonic plates, and
survive geological
processes.
PARTS OF THE CONTINENTAL CRUST

A CONTINENTAL MARGIN

B The edge of the cratons


that are also composed
of sedimentary rocks
that forms landmasses
during geological
processes.
SECOND TYPE OF LITHOSPHERE

THE OCEANIC CRUST

A It is made up of
gabbro and basalt,
which allow it to be
denser.
B It is younger than
the continental crust
since it's oldest age
is around 200 million
years old.
SECOND TYPE OF LITHOSPHERE

THE OCEANIC CRUST

A They are about 7 km


thick, whereas
continental crusts
range between 10 to
70 km thick.

B They are formed by


magma from underwater
volcanic eruptions.
SECOND TYPE OF LITHOSPHERE

THE OCEANIC CRUST

A It has limited
timespan since it is
pushed beneath the
continental crust
when it comes into
contact with.
PLATE TECTONICS THEORY

It was derived from earlier hypotheses.

Theatrum Orbis Terrarum


Abraham Ortelius
(January 15, 1596)
The First Atlas
It noted the similarity between the coastlines of Africa,
Europe, and America.
SEATWORK:

DIRECTIONS:
CONTINENTAL OCEANIC
Find the
differences and
similarities
1. 1. 1.
between continental
and oceanic plate. 2. 2. 2.
Complete this
activity by filling 3. 3. 3.
up the Venn diagram
provided.

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