History of Tectonic Plates and Its Impact on Earth’s Structure

The earth we live in was formed 4.5 billion years ago. The earth’s structure is very unique because consists of some layers. Each layer has its characteristics. The outermost layer is lithosphere which was formed by tectonic plates movement. Have you ever known the history of tectonic plates? Let’s read this now!

Theory and History of Tectonic Plates

It is important to know the history of tectonic plates. Why? On the history, explained about the movement of tectonic plates which is the basis of earth’s surface formation that we live in. This movement broke one large continent (supercontinent) into several parts as we know there are five continents.

Theory of Tectonic Plates

How do tectonic plates contribute to the formation of Earth’s structure? This question can be answered by the theory of tectonic plates. This theory was first proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1915. He proposed that continental drift is caused by natural movements of the outermost layer called lithosphere.

A lithosphere is the outermost layer and consists of the earth’s crust (where we live in) and the upper earth’s mantle. Both of them are called tectonic plates and can move because of current convection from the inner layer of the earth. This current happens because of temperature differences, gravity force, and friction force.

Besides Wegener, an explorer named Ferdinand Magellan, has the same hypothesis about the change of plains. They found that the change is caused by tectonic plates movement and separated the supercontinent into smaller parts. The similarities between South America and Africa further support this theory.

History of Tectonic Plates

The layer where we live is called the earth’s crust which is part of a lithosphere. Its characteristics are solid and rigid. There is an upper mantle under the crust, which is a hot liquid and drives the movement of tectonic plates. The gravity and friction force are the other factors of tectonic plates movement.

The theory of tectonic plates above is a conclusion from research and observation from experts in geologic scope. Therefore, the history of tectonic plates plays an important role in it. Based on history, tectonic plates which consist of crust and upper mantle actively move. Its movement causes the separation of the supercontinent.

The supercontinent was separated into smaller parts and now we know there are five continents in this world. This phenomenon involves changes in the earth’s structure, natural conditions, and climate change from each separate part of the supercontinent.

Impacts of Tectonic Plates Movement on Earth’s Surface

All geological phenomena naturally occur. The tectonic plates movement has a massive impact on this world. The earth’s surface automatically changes after the movement. Let’s check the impacts below!

1. Earthquakes

Tectonic plates cause the earthquake every time they move. These plates actively move towards (convergence) or away from each other (divergence). Both of them cause earthquakes with varying strengths depending on the tectonic plates movement and the depth of their epicenter.

2. Tsunami and Landslides

A tsunami is a huge and high wave caused by an earthquake when its epicenter is located under the sea. Not only that, tsunami occurs when the magnitude is weak, but the depth is shallow. Landslides also include the impact of an earthquake when occurs in a highland and then the magnitude also vibration are very strong.

3. Mountains and Volcano

If the tectonic plates movement approaches each other (convergence), it forms mountains and volcanoes. The formation of mountains is caused by two plates colliding (collision), which is the tectonic plates bending upwards to form a higher plateau.

In the context of a volcano, formed by one plate subducting another plate (subduction). The plate melts and causes magma to come out through cracks on it.

4. Fault Valley and Seabed Expansion

When tectonic plates movement moves away from each other (divergence), it causes fault valleys and seabed expansion. The seabed expansion needs to be considered because it expands the ocean area.

Knowing the history of tectonic plates can increase knowledge about the earth’s structure from the past to the present. With the technology development, the tectonic plate movement can be detected, and the public can receive warnings regarding disasters. Check this out and choose the hi-tech product at smsbroadcaster.com.