Theories of Plate Tectonics

Theories of plate tectonics explain how Earth's outer shell, called the lithosphere, is divided into large, rigid sections called plates. These plates move slowly on the semi-fluid layer beneath them, driven by forces like mantle convection, gravity, and Earth's rotation. Their movement causes features such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains. The theory combines earlier ideas like continental drift and seafloor spreading, providing a comprehensive understanding of Earth's dynamic surface. It helps explain the shifting positions of continents and the geological phenomena we observe worldwide.