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Plate Tectonics

The document summarizes theories of plate tectonics. It describes early theories such as the raisin earth theory where the earth contracted like a raisin, and isostatic theory where equal mass must underlie equal surface areas. It then introduces plate tectonics which proposes that the lithosphere is broken into plates that move over time. Continental drift theory proposed by Alfred Wegener suggested that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea before drifting apart. There are now seven major plates that compose the earth's surface.

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30 views

Plate Tectonics

The document summarizes theories of plate tectonics. It describes early theories such as the raisin earth theory where the earth contracted like a raisin, and isostatic theory where equal mass must underlie equal surface areas. It then introduces plate tectonics which proposes that the lithosphere is broken into plates that move over time. Continental drift theory proposed by Alfred Wegener suggested that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea before drifting apart. There are now seven major plates that compose the earth's surface.

Uploaded by

dani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Plate Tectonics

Raisin Theory – Earth is like a grape


that contracted into raisin due to the
cooling process that occurred on Earth
after the Big Bang Theory 13.77 billion
years ago.
Isostacy Theory (Clarence Edward Dutton)
– wherever equilibrium exists in Earth’s
surface, equal mass must underlie equal
surface areas, meaning, a great
continental mass must be formed of
lighter materials than that supposed to
constitute the ocean floor.
Plate Tectonics
Tectonic is from the Greek word
tekton which means carpenter or
builder. It was used to describe the
movement of the lithosphere.

Lithosphere solid portion of the Earth.


Plate Tectonics Theory
was developed from earlier
hypotheses and data collected about
the rocks of the ocean floor. One of
the foundational work that gave rise
to this theory is the first world atlas
“Theatrum Orbis Terrarum” by
Abraham Ortelius January 1, 1596.
Continental Drift Theory (Alfred Wegener) - origins of
Continents and Oceans
Pangaea ( All Earth)
Supercontinent Rodinia predated Pangaea that later on
break up into two smaller supercontinents (Laurasia and
Gondwanaland) and then there exists Panthalassa (all seas)
surrounding the Pangaea. Continental drifting continues that
later on results to formation of seven major continents of the
world. It was predicted that some 250- 300 million years from
now these continents will move toward each other again
reforming the historical Pangaea.
Earth is generally composed of 58 crustal plates. Fifteen major
tectonic plates (7or 8 where primary and others are smaller
plates)

Primary Plates:
Antartic plate
African Plate
Eurasian Plate
Indo- Australian Plate
North American Plate
Pacific Plate
South American Plate
Secondary Plates:
Arabian Plate
Caribbean Plate
Cocos Plate
Indian Plate
Juan de duca Plate
Philippine Sea Plate
Scotia Plate
Nazca Plate (sometimes)
Seven Major Continents (decreasing size)

Asia
Africa
North America
South America
Antartica
Europe
Australia
Basic Types of Lithospheric Plates:
Continental Lithosphere – the solid
ground
Oceanic Lithosphere – lower
density material such as granitic
rock

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