Plate Tectonics (theory)

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that Earth's outer shell, called the lithosphere, is divided into large, rigid sections known as tectonic plates. These plates move slowly over the semi-fluid layer beneath them, called the asthenosphere. Their movement causes phenomena such as the creation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Plate interactions—such as colliding, separating, or sliding past each other—shape Earth's surface over millions of years. This theory explains the distribution of continents and oceanic features, as well as the dynamic processes that continuously reshape our planet.