Tectonic plates, the massive slabs of Earth’s lithosphere that help define our continents and ocean, are constantly on the move. Plate tectonics is driven by a variety of forces: dynamic movement in the mantle, dense oceanic crust interacting with the ductile asthenosphere, even the rotation of the planet.
asthenosphere
Noun
layer in Earth's mantle between the lithosphere (above) and the upper mantle (below).
dense
Adjective
having parts or molecules that are packed closely together.
ductile
Adjective
capable of withstanding a certain amount of force by changing form before fracturing or breaking.
geologic
Adjective
having to do with the physical formations of the Earth.
geologist
Noun
person who studies the physical formations of the Earth.
massive
Adjective
very large or heavy.
oceanic crust
Noun
thin layer of the Earth that sits beneath ocean basins.
tectonic plate
Noun
massive slab of solid rock made up of Earth's lithosphere (crust and upper mantle). Also called lithospheric plate.