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Earth Science for Kids

Plate Tectonics

A Land in Motion

Although we think of the land on Earth as being fixed and stable, it turns out that it is constantly moving. This movement is way too slow for us to notice, however, because it only moves between one to 6 inches per year. It takes millions of years for the land to move a significant amount.

The Lithosphere

The part of the land that is moving is the Earth's surface called the lithosphere. The lithosphere is made up of the Earth's crust and a part of the upper mantle. The lithosphere moves in big chunks of land called tectonic plates. Some of these plates are huge and cover entire continents.

Major and Minor Tectonic Plates

Most of the Earth is covered by seven major plates and another eight or so minor plates. The seven major plates include the African, Antarctic, Eurasian, North American, South American, India-Australian, and the Pacific plates. Some of the minor plates include the Arabian, Caribbean, Nazca, and Scotia plates.

Here is a picture showing the major tectonic plates of the world.


Click on the picture to see a larger view

Continents and Oceans

Tectonic plates are around 62 miles thick. There are two main types of tectonic plates: oceanic and continental.
Plate Boundaries

The movement of tectonic plates is most evident at the boundaries between the plates. There are three main types of boundaries: Interesting Facts about Plate Tectonics
Activities

Earth Science Subjects

Geology
Composition of the Earth
Rocks
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Plate Tectonics
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The Water Cycle
Geology Glossary and Terms

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Recycling
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Renewable Energy Sources
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Hydropower
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Wave and Tidal Energy
Wind Power

Other
Ocean Waves and Currents
Ocean Tides
Tsunamis
Ice Age
Forest Fires
Phases of the Moon


Science >> Earth Science for Kids


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