Science
Tectonic plates.
Definition
Large slabs of Earth's lithosphere that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere and move slowly over time. Their interactions at boundaries cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation. There are about 15 major plates covering Earth's surface.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 The Pacific Plate moving northwest past the North American Plate along the San Andreas Fault
- 2 The Indian Plate colliding with the Eurasian Plate to form the Himalayan mountain range
- 3 The Nazca Plate subducting under the South American Plate, creating the Andes Mountains