1.2.2

Tectonic Plates

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Tectonic Plates

The Earth's crust is broken into large pieces called tectonic plates. Tectonic plates can move because the rock in the mantle is only semi-solid and molten. There are 2 kinds of tectonic plates:

Illustrative background for What is a continental plate?Illustrative background for What is a continental plate? ?? "content

What is a continental plate?

  • Continental plates are thicker, older and lighter, so they do not sink (subduct).
Illustrative background for What is an oceanic plate?Illustrative background for What is an oceanic plate? ?? "content

What is an oceanic plate?

  • Oceanic plates are thinner, younger, and denser so they can sink (subduct) under another plate.
Illustrative background for What is a plate margin or plate boundary?Illustrative background for What is a plate margin or plate boundary? ?? "content

What is a plate margin or plate boundary?

  • Plate boundaries and plate margins are the same thing.
  • They describe the location on Earth where 2 tectonic plates meet or sit next to each other.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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