Plate Tectonics

Credit: 1 hour

Plate tectonics (from the Latin tectonicus, “pertaining to building”) is a scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of Earth’s lithosphere. This theoretical model builds on the concept of continental drift which was developed during the first few decades of the 20^th century.

The lithosphere, which is the rigid outermost shell of a planet, is broken up into tectonic plates. On Earth, there are seven or eight major plates (depending on how they are defined) and many minor plates. Where plates meet, their relative motion determines the type of boundary. Earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain-building and oceanic trench formation occur along these plate boundaries.  

Learning Objectives:

• Be familiar with the types of plate boundaries
• Understand the driving forces
• Understand theory development
• Understand plate reconstruction

 Course Number:
POD1103

Field of Study:
Geotechnical

Level:
Basic

Presenter:
Ron Finger

Prerequisites:
None

Advanced Preparation:
None