Plate Tectonics

Plate Tectonics

Earth's surface separated into Tectonic Plates

·         lithosphere divided into tectonic plates

·         plates move due to convection currents in asthensphere 

·         places where plate meet called plate boundaries/plate margins

Convection Currents

·         radioactive decay of element in mantle and core e.g. uranium, generates heat

·         when lower parts of the asthensphere heat up become less dense and rise slowly

·         as move towards top of asthensphere cool down-become more dense- slowly sink

·         circular movements called convection currents

·         convection currents create drag on base of tectonic plates causing movement

Crust Created When Plates Move Apart

·         rising convection current diverge (move apart) at base…