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Tectonic plates do not continually move around nor do they normally bump against each other.
If you can imagine two really rough bricks held against each other by tremendous force, you have just imagined what tectonic plates are like.They are huge bricks floating on a super hot liquid. They wish to move past each other in some direction but friction prevents that. Eventually forces develop that are large enough to overcome the friction that keeps them from moving, and they slide against each other. The result is an earth tremor. It shakes just as the bricks would if you held them in your hands and made them slide past each other. Sometimes you can feel the shaking as they pass. That's an earthquake. Sometimes it happens in the middle of the ocean and nobody notices.
However both events are recorded on one, or more "Seismograph(s)."
The seismographs record the size (magnitude) of the earthquake and the direction. By drawing lines in the direction of the event from 3 or more seismographs scientists can then show where the event occurred.
The magnitude (size) of the earthquake is measured on the "Richter" scale. The Richter scale is a logarithmic in nature. In other words a 2 on the Richter is 10 times as powerful as a 1. This is true for all numbers on the scale. Three on the Richter scale is 100 times as powerful as a 1 (10 from 1 to 2 times 10 from 2 to 3 equals 100). It's easy to see that the magnitudes increase very rapidly. A 7 on the Richter scale is 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X10, or 10,000,000 times as powerful as a 1.
DARN! THAT SMARTS!
What else can I help you with?
How many minor tectonic plates are there on Earth?
There are around 15-20 minor tectonic plates on Earth, in addition to the major plates that comprise the Earth's lithosphere. These minor plates are smaller in size compared to the major plates and play a role in the movement and dynamics of tectonic activity.
What are tectonic plantes?
There is no specific term "tectonic plantes". It seems like a misunderstanding. Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's outer shell that move around on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them, resulting in phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
What happens as earths mantle drags on the bottom of techtonic plates?
As Earth's mantle drags on the bottom of tectonic plates, it creates stress and friction that can cause the plates to move. This movement can result in various tectonic activities such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges as the plates interact with each other.
How many tectonic plates are depicted in this setting?
There are seven tectonic plates depicted in this setting.
What are the large pieces of the lithosphere that move around on the asthenosphere called?
The large pieces of the lithosphere that move around on the asthenosphere are called tectonic plates. These plates are constantly shifting and interacting with each other, resulting in various geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Why is the earth continually changes forms?
The tectonic plates are constantly moving
What happens when tectonic plates suddenly move?
An Earthquake happens.
What are the plates move around the earth?
tectonic plates
What do the tectonic plates float on?
The tectonic plates, part of the lithosphere, move around and float on the top of the asthenosphere.
What is earth tectonic activities?
It is when Earth's tectonic plates move around.
What happens where tectonic plates move part?
An earthquake. But while this happens the magma fills the gap.
Do tectonic plates move around on the asthenosphere?
Yes
What are Large pieces of lithosphere that move around on the asthenosphere?
tectonic plate
What is Another Name For The Plates That Move Around?
If you mean for the plates that are the earth's crust they are called 'Tectonic Plates'.
What type of motion happens when tectonic plates slip by each other?
friction
What happens if tectonic plates didn't mve?
pangea would still be here
How many minor plates in the earth's crust?
There are around 15 minor tectonic plates in the Earth's crust, in addition to the major plates. These minor plates contribute to the overall movement and interaction of Earth's tectonic plates.
