answersLogoWhite

0

When two plates next to each other move, they may move at the same time -- for example, if one plate is sliding over another, the other plate could be tilting or sinking. What's more likely to happen, though, is that the pressure will cause one of the plates to break or shift at a weak point -- a fault, for example. So a piece of the plate may move, while most of it doesn't.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Are plate tectonics and plate movements the same thing?

No they are not the same thing. Plate Tectonics is the study of mechanisms and the results of large-scale movement of the earth's crust. Tectonic Plates are large sections of the earth's crust that float on top of semi-molten rocks of the upper mantle.


Are all tectonic plates the same?

No, tectonic plates vary in size, shape, and composition. There are different types of tectonic plates, including oceanic plates that are denser and thinner than continental plates. The motion and interactions of these plates play a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface through processes like subduction and spreading.


Are the sizes and shapes of the continents the same as the sizes and shapes of the plates?

No, the sizes and shapes of the continents do not directly correspond to the sizes and shapes of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are larger and different in shape compared to the continents they contain. Continental plates can span multiple tectonic plates and vice versa.


Are tectonic plates big?

Yes, tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that vary in size but can be as big as entire continents. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below, and their movement is responsible for phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.


What tectonic plates made the Jura Mountains?

The Jura Mountains are part of the same orogeny as the Alps, which are being formed by the collision between the African an Eurasian plates.

Related Questions

Do volcanoes happen in the same place?

No, volcanoes don't occur in the same place because there was a volcano in Hawaii and maybe somewhere in Asia.


Are tectonic plates the same?

no


Why did the eartquake in japan happen?

The same reason any earthquake happens, tectonic plates shifted against each other.


Why can't you feel tectonic plates move?

You can if you happen to be on the site of an earth quake! (But do you actually feel your fingernails growing? It's about the same rate.)


Are plate tectonics and plate movements the same thing?

No they are not the same thing. Plate Tectonics is the study of mechanisms and the results of large-scale movement of the earth's crust. Tectonic Plates are large sections of the earth's crust that float on top of semi-molten rocks of the upper mantle.


Why are trenches and volcanoes in the same places and parallel to each other?

Simply because of the movements of the tectonic plates. Just like rivers and mountains and valleys can't be next to each other.


Are all tectonic plates the same?

No, tectonic plates vary in size, shape, and composition. There are different types of tectonic plates, including oceanic plates that are denser and thinner than continental plates. The motion and interactions of these plates play a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface through processes like subduction and spreading.


Do all the tectonic plates move at the same rate?

No, tectonic plates move at different rates. Some plates move faster than others, while some plates move very slowly. The movement of the plates is driven by the underlying convection currents in the Earth's mantle.


Are the sizes and shapes of the continents the same as the sizes and shapes of the plates?

No, the sizes and shapes of the continents do not directly correspond to the sizes and shapes of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are larger and different in shape compared to the continents they contain. Continental plates can span multiple tectonic plates and vice versa.


How do movements of the crust change landforms?

Movements of the Earth's crust, such as plate tectonics, can result in the formation of landforms like mountains, valleys, and fault lines. When tectonic plates collide, they can create mountains through the process of folding and faulting. At the same time, when plates pull apart, they can form rift valleys or volcanic features. Over time, these movements can sculpt and reshape the Earth's surface.


Why can't two earthquakes happen at the same time and place?

earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates (wich hold the dry land up out of the water) crunching and grinding against each other. for a map of the tectonic plates go to wikipedia and type 'plate tectonics.' it should take you directly to a map. hope this is helpful!


Are tectonic plates and Earth plates the same?

No! of course not, you see tectonic plates were discovered over 9000 years ago by scientist Seymour Bootay. Earth plates are much different. they were discovered in 1969 by the aurthor of the famous book "yellow river": I.P. Daily.