How Tectonic Plates Move
Science · Volcanoes & Earthquakes · conceptual
Understand that convection currents in the molten mantle drive the movement of rigid tectonic plates; distinguish between convergent (collision/subduction), divergent (spreading ridges), and transform (sliding) plate boundaries; explain why volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain chains cluster at boundaries; introduce the Wilson cycle of supercontinent assembly and breakup
Check your understanding
If How Tectonic Plates Move looks at a world map showing where volcanoes and earthquakes happen, can they explain why these events follow specific ring-shaped patterns rather than occurring randomly around the globe?
Prerequisites
Required first