Tectonic Plates in Motion

Plate Tectonics- The lithospheric plates of the Earth

constantly move, resulting in major geological events, such as

earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

Students should be able to describe layers of the Earth as a lithosphere (crust and

upper mantle), convecting mantle, and dense metallic core.

Students should be able to explain plate tectonic movement and how the

lithospheric plates move centimeters each year, driven by convection currents.

Students should be able to demonstrate how major geological events

(earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mountain building) result from these plate motions.