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Hi there! I am Studyfin, your science tutor. Today, we will explore how Earth's giant outer puzzle pieces move and change our world!
Did you know that the ground beneath your feet is actually moving? Earth's outer layer, called the lithosphere, is broken into giant puzzle pieces called tectonic plates. These plates float slowly on a hot, semi-liquid layer of rock underneath them.
When tectonic plates move apart, we call it a divergent boundary. This movement allows hot magma to rise up from inside the Earth. The magma cools and creates brand new ocean floor!
When plates crash into each other, we call it a convergent boundary. One plate can slide under the other and melt, or the plates can crumple together to push up giant mountain ranges.
Let us practice explaining tectonic plate movement. Walk through the steps to identify what happens when two continental plates collide.
- First, identify the boundary type. Since the two plates are colliding and moving toward each other, this is a convergent boundary.
- Next, analyze the materials. Both plates are made of continental crust, which is thick and has low density, so neither plate wants to sink easily.
- Then, describe the physical action. Because neither plate sinks, they smash and crumple upward against each other.
- Finally, conclude the result. This massive crumpling action builds towering mountain ranges, like the famous Himalayas!
