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10 Facts About Plate Tectonics

Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist is credited for being the first man to theories that the earth was once one huge land mass before splitting into continents. He is the man behind the plate tectonics theory, suggesting that the planet Earth is divided into several layers that constantly, but gradually, move. The plate tectonic theory triggered a series of research and studies as scientists tried to disapprove of Wegener’s theory. However, more evidence emerged and people agreed that the world was once the Pangea-which is a Greek word that means ‘all the earth.’

Several fascinating facts about plate tectonics would change the way we view the Earth. For example, the outermost shell of the earth called the lithosphere is believed to be in constant motion. It is this gradual movement that led to the splitting of the earth’s surface into seven continents. The continuous movement has also been linked to natural occurrences in the world such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

Delving deeper into the fascinating study of plate tectonics uncovers the truths and fascinating facts that many people would never know. Years of scientific research have proved the existence of small plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, which is above the earth’s mantle. We can also understand the consequences of the steady, but slow movement of the earth’s crust.

These are some of the ten facts to know about plate tectonics:

1.  There are only two major types of Plate Tectonics

The plate tectonic theory shows that the outermost crust has several tectonic plates that move towards and away from each other. However, the primary types of tectonic plates are the continental and oceanic crusts. The continental crust is lighter and floats on other denser mantles beneath the earth’s surface. The oceanic crust on the other hand is denser and sinks beneath the earth’s crust. The two major tectonic plates are known to cause major movements when they move towards or away from each other. The plates meet at convergent boundaries and separate at divergent boundaries.

2. The Continental Crust Consists of Silica and Aluminum

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The term SIAL is derived from the two elements that make up the continental crust-silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al). Silicon makes up the granite rocks which are less dense thus making the plate float above more dense materials. SIAL is unique and is the major reason for the movement of the plates.

3. Silicon and Magnesium make up the Oceanic Crust

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Although the oceanic crust is typically thin, ranging between five and ten kilometers deep, it is denser than the continental crust. The presence of magnesium and iron contributes to the weight thus sinking deeper into the earth’s surface. The oceanic crust is often involved in the convergent boundaries where it becomes subdued below the continental crust because of its density. Lastly, the formation of the oceanic crust involves magma rising in the middle of the ocean and solidifies.

4. The Earth’s Tectonic Plates Float on and move around the Asthenosphere

The tectonic plates make up the lithosphere which is the outermost layer of the earth. The lithosphere is massive and rigid representing the pieces of the puzzle that form the seven continents on the earth’s surface. Below the lithosphere is the mantle which extends as deep as three thousand kilometers deep. The mantle floats on the asthenosphere which is the innermost layer of the earth. The asthenosphere is plastic-like and easily moves around making the plate tectonics float and move around.

5. The Pressure between two Plate Tectonics leads to the formation of Oil Deposits

The process of formation of oil, coal, and natural gas takes millions of years when organic matter is buried underneath the earth’s surface. These animal and plant remains are subjected to a lot of pressure and high temperatures beneath the earth’s surface. The pressure caused by the movement of tectonic plates leads to the formation of coal and natural gas. Oil reservoirs on the other hand are formed under sedimentary rocks.

6. The Pacific Plate is the Biggest Tectonic Plate on the Earth’s Crust

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The Pacific plate covers the majority of the earth’s lithosphere as it has the largest surface area. This plate covers the eastern of the Pacific Ocean extending to the Americas coasts. The interaction of the Pacific plate with neighboring plates led to the formation of the Hawaiian Islands.

7. The Plates move only a few inches in Twelve Months

Although plate tectonics are constantly moving, they move at a very low speed. The Pacific plate tectonic, for example, moves at a speed of less than five inches per year which is equivalent to the rate at which fingernails grow. However, despite the slow speed, the overall effect of the movement of the plate tectonics has a long-lasting impact including the formation of mountains, and causing earthquakes.

8. The Juan De Fuca Plate has the smallest Surface Area of all Tectonic Plates

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Juan de Fuca plate extends from the northeastern Pacific Ocean to North America and part of Canada. This plate is triangular and is associated with the formation of the geological features in the North American region. Although it is small, Juan de Fuca has been the major reason for the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in North America for years.

9. Mount Everest was formed as a result of the Collision of Two Big Tectonic Plates

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The constant movement of tectonic plates led to the formation of geological features and Mount Everest was formed similarly. The movement of the Indiana plate and the Eurasian plate led to the formation of the Himalayan ranges which includes the longest mountain in the world. The collision between the two big tectonic plates happened millions of years ago.

10. The Pacific Plate and Mariana Plate Converged to Form the Mariana Trench

The Pacific plate and Mariana plate are both oceanic plates whose movements led to the formation of the deepest part of the sea Mariana trench. The trench is approximately forty feet deep and was formed when the two oceanic plates converged together. The formation of the Mariana Trench also caused massive volcanoes in the region.

In-depth look at the plate tectonic unveils the truth about the natural occurrences on the earth’s surface and underwater. We can understand the reason behind the formation of mountain ranges, and the valleys and know the reasons for volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. This information helps us understand why there are similarities between the coast of South America and South Africa- two places that were once joined before the lithosphere moved them thousands of kilometers apart. Plate tectonic theory not only lets us know that the earth was once one big surface but also opens our eyes to understand the similarities and differences in climate. Knowing that we once belonged to one continent fosters peaceful coexistence among people from different parts of the world. As we understand the history of the earth’s surface, we are better placed to predict the future. Knowing the speed of movement of the crust helps prepare for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural occurrences. We are reminded that below our feet is a constantly moving planet that is bound to cause changes on the earth’s surface in the future.