Lageos satellite goddard geophysical and astronomical observatory courtesy of nasa. Download free plate tectonics a very short introduction book in pdf and epub free download. Describe how convection takes place in the mantle and compare the two parts of the core and describe why they are different from each other. Lectures prior to the lab should have covered the basics of plate tectonics, including the different types of plate boundaries. You will recall from a previous chapter that there are three. Folds and faults mountain ranges continents earthquake belts the basic premise of plate tectonics is that the earths surface is divided into a few large, thick. Introduction to plate boundaries and natural hazards. After having been dismissed for decades as absurd, the concept gradually became part of geologys basic principles. Powerpoint click to download the ms powerpoint file 146 mbytes pdf click to view or download the presentation in pdf 5 mbytes ht ml cl ick to view the presentation in html format. Since the theory of plate tectonics was first introduced, how far has the tectonic plate were standing on moved. Plate tectonics describes the distribution and motion of the plates. Because it is so important in understanding how the world works, plate tectonics is the first topic of discussion in this textbook.
Physical geology is a comprehensive introductory text on the physical aspects of geology, including rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciation, groundwater, streams, coasts, mass wasting, climate change, planetary geology and much more. Introduction to plate tectonics and earthquakes lesson plans. According to the theory, earth has a rigid outer layer, known as the lithosphere, which is typically about 100 km 60 miles thick and overlies a plastic moldable, partially molten layer called the asthenosphere. Tectonic and structural geomorphology introduction to plate. How the activity is situated in the course this is a standalone exercise typically given near the beginning of the course in either discussion or lab section. Geomorphology and plate tectonics geogem note 2 boundaries of the geomorphic provinces that we deine in this report as coastline subprovinces. This world map of tectonic plates is a twopage pdf suitable for printing on legalsize 8. This plate motion causes them to collide, pull apart, or scrape against each other. Plate tectonics a summary unifying theory that took centuries to develop describes the mechanisms by which the geology we see today is created earth is divided into rigid lithospheric plates which are constantly moving relative to each other plate movement is driven by convection in the mantle. Plate tectonics refers to the formation and migration of these lithospheric plates, physical interaction between the plates, and the resultant deformation that is.
Plate tectonics is the central unifying theory for geology and geophysics. Pdf plate tectonics a very short introduction download. Plate tectonics print materials with information on plate tectonics computer with internet access world map outlines with no placename labels, 1 per student pencils and erasers markers, colored pencils, or crayons procedures 1. Introduction to plate tectonics geosciences libretexts. We now know that the earths crust and upper mantle consist of a small number of rigid plates that move, and there are significant boundaries between. In this lab you will learn the basics of plate tectonics, including locations of the plate boundaries, distribution of earthquakes, and bathymetry and topography. The theory, or idea, of plate tectonics says that earth s outer layer is made up of large, moving pieces called plates. For the rest of us, plate tectonics is a simple theory that helps make sense of the earths face. Under the plates is a weaker layer of partially melted rock.
Since the construction of the first good maps of the continents, people have puzzled over the close match between the coastlines of south america and africa. Introduction to plate tectonic theory, geodesy, and vlbi. Plate tectonics introduction and map activity by geoearth. To appreciate the extent that plate tectonics impacts the world to begin thinking about the issues of tectonic hazards watch the youtube below for an introduction into what we will be studying in. Plate tectonics provides a basis for understanding the distribution and origin of mineral and energy resources in space and time rona, 1977. Discover the concept of plate tectonics and how shifting plates affect our planet. The theory of plate tectonics grew out of earlier hypotheses and observations collected during exploration of the rocks of the ocean floor. In particular, plate tectonics explains geologic features on the crust over a wide scale, such as the. Earths internal processes were previously thought to operate in a vertical fashion, with continents, oceans, and mountain ranges bobbing up and down, without much sideways movement. Introduction to plate tectonics smith and pun chapter 1 2 tectonics is the study of the origin and arrangement of the broad structural features of earths surface including. Plate tectonics during the past 40 years, a new model has emerged and revolutionized earth sciences like perhaps no other before. Plate tectonics a summary unifying theory that took centuries to develop describes the mechanisms by which the geology we see today is created earth is divided into rigid lithospheric plates which are constantly moving relative to each other plate movement is. Roll your mouse over the key lower right hand corner on the plate tectonic map and then answer the following questions.
The lithosphere is broken up into seven very large continental and oceansized plates, six or seven mediumsized. Information includes alfred wegener, plate tectonic evidence, plate facts and fill in questions. Pdf introduction to plate boundaries and natural hazards. The concept of plate tectonics was formulated in the 1960s. Introduction to plate tectonics discovery education. Plate tectonics introduction plate tectonics a unifying theory for geology combined 2 hypotheses. Many earth processes make more sense when viewed through the lens of plate tectonics. The global mosaic of plates periodically reorganizes itself and new plate boundaries form while others close up. The impact of plate tectonics is studied closely as these processes continue. We call that part of the mantle asthenosphere, to indicate that it is a weak zone, that decouples the plate from the overlying mantle actually, there is undoubtedly some drag forces that act between the two, but the lithosphere can move independently of the deeper mantle. The occurrence of energy and mineral deposits can be related to plate tectonics in three ways.
We now know that the earths crust and upper mantle consist of a small number of rigid plates that move, and there are significant. To appreciate the extent that plate tectonics impacts the world to begin thinking about the issues of tectonic hazards watch the youtube below for an introduction into what we will be studying in this unit. A pdf guide to plate tectonics and earthquakes is also available. Each major piece of cracked crust is called a tectonic plate figure 22. The original definition of plate tectonics has recently been modified to include a description of the driving force as a theory of global tectonics powered by subduction in which the lithosphere is divided into a mosaic of plates, which move on and sink into weaker ductile asthenosphere. Describe the three types of tectonic plate and how the processes lead to changes in earths surface features. Plate tectonics refers to the formation and migration of these lithospheric plates, physical interaction between the plates, and the resultant deformation that is incurred by the crustal rocks during this process.
The 1960s revealed a new and revolutionary idea in geological thought. Introduction to plate tectonics physical geography. Each type of interaction causes a characteristic set of earth structures or tectonic features. Pdf plate tectonics, our major paradigm for how the earth works, was. In this very short introduction peter molnar provides a succinct and authoritative account of the nature and mechanisms of plate tectonics and its impact on our understanding of earth. Plate tectonics introduction minipack w powerpoint mini unit focusing on plate tectonics introduction this minipack includes. The surface of the earth is divided into rigid blocks, called tectonic plates that are bounded by narrow regions of high deformation called plate boundaries.
Powered by create your own unique website with customizable templates. Pdf download plate tectonics a very short introduction. Within each province, the geologic materials or building blocks have been recycled from previous landscapes. Page two is the world digital elevation model showing topography without plate boundaries or plates labeled. Plate tectonics introduction and map activity by geo. The theory of plate tectonics is now wellestablished and forms the basis of our current understanding of the structure and dynamics of our earth. Introduction to plate tectonics penn state earthquake. Draw the arrows to describe the direction of movement for the 3 types of boundaries below. Plate tectonics has revolutionized the way we view large features on the surface of the earth. Page 1 introduction information about plate tectonics with fill in questions related to reading. Browse introduction to plate tectonics resources on teachers pay teachers, a marketplace trusted by millions of teachers for original educational resources. The plates are constantly moving over this weaker layer. Use webbased or other technology tools to show connections and patterns in data about tectonic plate boundaries and earthquakes. Tectonic and structural geomorphology introduction to.
Page one is the world map of tectonic plates with plate boundaries labeled and named. For the rest of us, plate tectonics is a simple theory that. Geochronology geochronolo plate tectonics plate tectonics plate tectonics earthquakes earthquakes quiz 2. The basic idea seafloor spreading and magnetic anomalies fracture zones and transform faults subduction of oceanic lithosphere rigid plates of lithosphere tectonics of. Plate tectonics overview the earths crust is cracked like the shell of a hardboiled egg. It has a strong emphasis on examples from western canada, especially british.
The structure of the earth, plate tectonics and landforms. Plate tectonics, the study of such relative motions. Plate tectonics the earths crust is divided into plates which are moved in various directions. Earths internal processes were previously thought to operate in a vertical fashion, with continents, oceans, and mountain ranges bobbing up. Plate tectonics introduction and map activity introduction to the basics of plate tectonics.
Convergent boundary divergent boundary transform boundary 11. Review from last class moving from mineral to rocks o definition of a rock o minerals as they relate to rock type especially for some of the hazards we will discuss in the coming weeks. An overview of these observations and interpretations provides new insights into understanding the continental plate. Plate tectonics conclusion plate tectonics is the grand, unifying theory of earth sciences, combining the concepts of continental drift and seafloor spreading into one holistic theory that explains many of the major structural features of the earths surface. Plate tectonics detailed observation of both the present and past motions of tectonic plates are essential for addressing many questions in the geosciences, such as understanding the forces driving plate tectonics, the origins of intraplate deformation, how deformation at plate boundaries manifests as earthquakes, and. In the light of the plate tectonics during the last decades research of morphostructures are introduced new principles and methods presented the contemporary. Neither plate can subduct in that case although one plate. Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology and revolutionized. Plate tectonics, the study of such relative motions and their consequences, allows relating surface, geological and geophysical structures with quantified movements attributed to deep processes of the earths heat engine. Pdf download plate tectonics a very short introduction free. Plate tectonics detailed observation of both the present and past motions of tectonic plates are essential for addressing many questions in the geosciences, such as understanding the forces driving plate tectonics, the origins of intra plate deformation, how deformation at plate boundaries manifests as earthquakes, and. The guide contains links to totle introduction to plate tectonics and earthquakes teaching resources and a table of contents of teaching resources on this topic. But learning about it during the last 40 years has given scientists many theoretical tools to understand other planets, even those that circle other stars.
Introduction to plate tectonics and earthquakes documents. Plate tectonics i plate tectonics il plate tectonics 111 continental crust formation oceanic crust formation earthquakes lab 3. Ret 2006, rev 2 7 introduction to plate tectonic theory, geodesy, and vlbi the plate tectonic theory is a relatively new, accepted only around 50 years ago. Plate tectonics, theory dealing with the dynamics of earths outer shell that revolutionized earth sciences by providing a uniform context for understanding mountainbuilding processes, volcanoes, and earthquakes as well as the evolution of earths surface and reconstructing its past continents and oceans. Geological understanding of plate tectonics durham university. An overview of these observations and interpretations provides new insights into understanding the continental plate tectonics and the chemical geodynamics. Introduction earths lithosphere is divided into mobile plates. Plate tectonicsthe unifying theory of geology geology u. Continental drift, seafloor spreading, and plate tectonics.
This guide is an outline of the plate tectonic and earthquake seismology powerpoint presentations. Tectonic plates are composed of oceanic lithosphere and. Gather, analyze, and communicate data that explains earths plates, plate motions, and the results of plate motions dok 12 d. Introduction and tectonic plates outline today plate tectonics introduction heat energy in the earth heat conduction lithospheric plates dynamic theory. The following website contains a more detailed and lesson plans on plate tectonics, geodesy, and vlbi. Oct 19, 2011 plate tectonics an introduction heather skellie. Tectonic plates are comprised of both crust oceanic or continental and mantle rock and owe their rigidity to the stiffness of mantle rock at low temperatures. Tectonics is a term that refers to the deformation of the earths crust. The advent of the plate tectonics theory over 45 years ago has revolutionized earth science thinking and provided a.
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