ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY
ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY
Plate Tectonics
Plate Tectonics
The theory of plate tectonics revolutionized the earth sciences by explaining how the movement of geologic plates causes mountain building, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
Grades
9 - 12
Subjects
Earth Science, Geology, Oceanography, Geography, Physical Geography
Image
San Andreas Fault
Tectonic plate boundaries, like the San Andreas Fault pictured here, can be the sites of mountain-building events, volcanoes, or valley or rift creation.
Photograph by Georg Gerster
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Last Updated
March 7, 2024
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