What are positive effects of plate tectonics?

Answer 1

The idea behind "plate tectonics" is that the surface of our Earth is composed of large "plates" that move on a molten base. If the plates didn't move, the pressure from trapped heat would cause violent explosions. For a small example, consider "Old Faithful" in Yellowstone Park. It's a geyser -- a sort of natural steam valve that releases the pressure of very hot subsurface water.

For a more dramatic example, consider Krakatoa. This was a huge volcanic eruption in Indonesia in 1883 that affected weather patterns all over the world.

Of course, there are still problems where the plates meet. For example, the San Andreas fault, which runs under San Francisco, is actually a place where the North American and Pacific plates meet, and a little slipping along that fault line caused the great San Francisco earthquake in 1906.

Because of the volcanoes formed by the subduction zones (where one tectonic plate falls and slides under an adjacent plate) gases from deep inside the earth are released. These gases probably formed our Nitrogen-Oxygen-Co2 atmosphere that is ideal for supporting life on our planet. In other areas where plates meet the plates push together and form non-volcanic mountains, providing variety in planetary ecosystems and species.

The volcanoes also form new, extremely rich soil as in the Hawaiian Islands. They also provide heat.

Another benefit is that the mineral buildup in sea water and sea floor from continent erosion is lessened as the water and sea floor get recycled back into the molten mantle under the plates. Over many years this has helped provide a balance between minerals added and minerals subtracted.

Another benefit is that metals from deep in the earth like copper are concentrated along these plate boundaries, making them easier to find and mine.

For more info, see the book Rare Earth.

Answer 2

Some positive effects of plate tectonics are when a convergent boundary occurrs, it can create sights such as volcanoes and mountains. Without them, the Earth would be a dull flat boring place.

Answer 3

The positive effect of plta tectonics are can cause fault lines an earthquake etc.

Answer 4

If there were no tectonic plates, the world would still be Pangea because the land could not move on its own.

Answer 5

Plate tectonics bring about earthquakes and volcanoes, as well as continental drift.

Answer 6

Earthquakes and hurricanes