Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Tectonic Plates - Coggle Diagram
Tectonic Plates
Tectonic Plates
Tectonic Plates Theory
A scientific theory that describe the large-scale motion of the earth's lithosphere (the rigid outer layer of the earth) on the more fluid asthenosphere beneath it.
Acoording to this theory, the earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small tectonic plate that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.
-
The structure of earth
- Crust :
• The Earth's crust is the outermost layer and is divided into two types: the continental crust and the oceanic crust.
• The oceanic crust is thinner and denser, primarily composed of basalt rocks. It underlies the ocean basins.
• The continental crust is thicker and less dense, consisting primarily of granite rocks. It forms the continents.
- Mantle :
• The mantle lies beneath the crust and is much thicker than the crust.
• It is mostly composed of solid rock, but it can flow slowly over long periods of time, exhibiting a phenomenon known as mantle convection.
• This convective motion is responsible for plate tectonics and the movement of tectonic plates.
- Outer Core :
• The outer core is composed of liquid iron and nickel. It surrounds the inner core.
• The movement of molten metal within the outer core generates the Earth's magnetic field through a process known as the geodynamo.
- Inner core :
• The inner core is the Earth's innermost layer, and it is extremely hot, with temperatures estimated to be around 5,700 degrees Celsius (10,300 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Despite the intense heat, the inner core remains solid due to the immense pressure at this depth.
Earthquackes
An earthquake is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, creating seismic waves. This release of energy is typically caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface.
The Earth's outer shell, known as the lithosphere, is divided into several large and small pieces called tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. When these plates move, they can either collide, move apart, or slide past each other.
When stress builds up along a fault line and exceeds the strength of the rocks, it can result in a sudden release of energy in the form of seismic waves. These waves travel through the Earth, causing the ground to shake. This shaking is what we feel during an earthquake.
Earthquakes can vary greatly in magnitude and intensity. Smaller earthquakes may go unnoticed by people, while larger ones can cause significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and the environment.
Earthquakes can also trigger other natural disasters such as tsunamis, landslides, and in some cases, volcanic eruptions.
-