Tectonic Plates & Rocks

Tectonic Plates

Massive pieces of the lithosphere that float on top of the mantle and are made up of crust and upper mantle.

Why do tectonic plates move?

They move because they float on melted rock, which is moved by convection currents from the mantle.

Converging Plates

When tectonic plates push against each other, causing the formation of mountains and volcanoes.

Subduction Zones

Areas where the oceanic plate melts under the continental plate, often associated with volcanic activity.

Diverging Plates

Tectonic plates that move apart, creating underwater mountain ranges and volcanoes.

Transform Boundaries

Plates that slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Igneous Rock

Rock that forms from cooled magma from a volcano.

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed from compacted sediments that have been weathered and washed away under oceans.

Metamorphic Rock

Rock that results from the transformation of sedimentary rocks through heat and pressure.

Evaporation

The process by which water changes from liquid to vapor due to the heat of the sun.

Transpiration

The process of water vapor being released from trees into the atmosphere.

Infiltration

The process by which water permeates the soil.

Runoff

Water that flows down mountains and into bodies of water.

Condensation

The process by which evaporated water forms clouds.

Precipitation

When clouds become heavy with water, resulting in rain or other forms of water falling to the ground.