Download Plate Tectonics

Bell work 9-2-11
• 1. What is the name of the longitude line 180*?
• 2. What is the surface features of a place?
• a. topography b. Time Zones c. Prime Meridian
d. I.D.L
• 3. What is used to begin lines of longitude?
• a. topography b. Time Zones c. Prime Meridian
d. I.D.L
Plate
Tectonics
Plate Tectonics
• Earth’s crust is divided into huge
sections called plates.
• These plates are constantly
moving. They move from 1-4
inches each year.
• Fault lines are found along plate
boundaries.
Earth is like a chocolate
dipped Ice Cream Cone
3 Types of Plate Movements
•1. Away from each other
–Found underneath oceans
•2. Towards each other
•3. Side by side
Plates move away from each other
• 1. Sea floor opens up
• 2. Hot molten rock fills the
opening
• 3. Builds up to form a mountain
chain called a Mid-Ocean Ridge.
• 4. Eventually forms Islands
Islands forming in the Caribbean Sea
Plates move towards each other
• Subduction – the heavy plate
goes under the lighter plate and
pushes it up.
• This forms high mountains that
are often volcanic.
• An example of this is the
Himalayan Mountains
Plates move side by side
The land crumples to form low
mountains (often volcanic)
An example of this type of
movement is the San Andreas fault
in California.
It is also why Baja California is
separated from mainland Mexico.
(see page 588)