This lesson provides an overview of the various types of interactions between tectonic plates. The discussion uses the analogy of a cracked egg to describe the tectonic plates composing Earth's crust. Other topics include the concentrated earthquake and volcanic activity associated with plate boundaries, types of interactions at the boundaries, and how plate motions are affecting the Atlantic and ... Full description.

This plate tectonics unit was designed to be used with a college course in physical geography. Subject matter covered includes: the development of the theory including Wegener's Continental Drift Hypothesis and the existence of Pangaea, Harry Hess and his work on sea-floor spreading, and the final theory. It points out that global features such as deep oceanic trenches, mid-ocean ridges, volcanic ... Full description.

The earths crust is constantly in motion. Sections of the crust, called plates, push against each other due to forces from the molten interior of the earth. The areas where these plates collide often have increased volcanic and earthquake activity. These images show the locations of the plates and their boundaries in the earths crust. Convergent boundaries are areas where two plates are pushing against ... Full description.

In this lesson, students are introduced to the theory of plate tectonics and explore how the theory was developed and supported by evidence. Through class discussion, videos, and activities, students seek connections between tectonic activity and geologic features and investigate how the theory of plate tectonics evolved. Full description.

This text explains how detailed mapping of the ocean floor led scientists like Howard Hess and R. Deitz to revive the Holmes convection theory. Hess and Deitz modified the theory considerably and called their new theory Sea-floor Spreading. Among the seafloor features that supported the sea-floor spreading hypothesis were: mid-oceanic ridges, deep sea trenches, island arcs, geomagnetic patterns, and ... Full description.

This page provides an introduction to plate tectonics for secondary students. Topics include plate motions, the layers of the Earth and oceanic versus continental plates. A set of links provides access to material on the processes of plate tectonics occuring at plate boundaries, zones of movement and instability. Full description.

This page consists of two maps of the world, showing how earthquakes define the boundaries of tectonic plates. Volcanoes are also distributed at plate boundaries (the "Ring of Fire" in the Pacific) and at oceanic ridges. It is part of the U.S. Geological Survey's Cascades Volcano Observatory website, which features written material, images, maps, and links to related topics. Full description.

This is a brief description of the results of plate movement according to the Theory of Plate Tectonics. It explains how divergence at the mid-ocean ridges accounts for the discoveries of Harry Hess. The site also refers to the invention of the magnetometer and the discovery of the young age of the ocean floor basalt. It concludes that these are the kinds of discoveries and thinking that ultimately ... Full description.

This National Park Service (NPS) site provides links to geology field notes providing information about National Parks, National Monuments, and National Recreation Areas that have to do with plate tectonics. The site also has illustrations and descriptions of different plate boundaries. The parks are divided into categories depending on which type of plate boundary they are located on. This includes ... Full description.

This abbreviated explanation of the subject of plate tectonics is divided into several parts. The first section, entitled Into the Earth, describes the crust, mantle and core of the Earth, while the next section shows a world map with the plates delineated. The section called Action at the Edges uses text and diagrams to explain what is occurring at the plate boundaries. Links lead to a detailed discussion ... Full description.