Download Plate Tectonics Notes

Obj. 1. Describe some of the duties of a geologist.
2. Explain plate and plate tectonics.
I.
Plate Tectonics
A. Geologists are scientists that study the forces that shape
our planet. They study chemical and physical
characteristics of rock – material that forms the Earth’s
surface and crust. Geologists map where different rock
types are – both above and below the surface. They
describe landforms – both in terms of how and what
created them. Geologists also collect and identify fossils
to help determine the age of the Earth.
B. Plate is a large section of the lithosphere that moves atop
magma – liquid rock below the Earth’s surface.
Plate tectonics is the study of moving plates. Plates may
move side by side, apart, or together. Plate tectonics
also studies the geologic events that occur due to plate
movement – volcanoes, earthquakes, uplifting,
subduction, mountain building, etc. Plate movement
occurs due to the convections currents within the
magma under the plate.
1. Convection current – is the transfer of heat
through a heated fluid (liquid or gas), causing an
uneven heat distribution making the fluid rise,
cool, sink and then repeat the process.