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Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. They vary in density, with continental plates typically being less dense and thicker due to their composition of lighter materials like granite, while oceanic plates are denser and thinner, primarily composed of basalt. This difference in density is a key factor in plate interactions, leading to phenomena such as subduction, where denser oceanic plates sink beneath lighter continental plates.

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What is the relationship between density and plate tectonics?

Density plays a key role in plate tectonics by influencing the movement of tectonic plates. Plates with higher density tend to sink into the mantle at subduction zones, while plates with lower density float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, driving processes like seafloor spreading and continental drift. Overall, density variations in the Earth's lithosphere help drive the movement of tectonic plates.


What Of these terms describes the edges where tectonic plates meet of these terms describes the edges where tectonic plates meet?

The edges where tectonic plates meet are called "plate boundaries." There are three main types of plate boundaries: divergent, where plates move apart; convergent, where plates collide; and transform, where plates slide past each other. Each type of boundary is associated with different geological activities, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.


The Earth's tectonic plates are in constant motion due to several factors. Temperature and density differences in the plates cause push and pull forces that move the plates.?

mantle convection


What are the large thin plates that move relative to one another on the outer surface of earth called?

They are called tectonic or lithospheric plates.


Earthquakes occur mainly allong the edges of?

Tectonic plates and fault lines created by the movement of tectonic plates.


What can tectonic plates also be called instead of tectonic plates?

Tectonic plates are also "Continental Crust" and "Oceanic Crust". Also lithospheric plates.


Can tectonic plates known as crustle plates?

Yes, tectonic plates are also known as crustal plates.


Who named the tectonic plates tectonic and why?

harry hess named the tectonic plates but I'm not sure why =/


How many tectonic plates do we have?

there are 7 huge plates but dozens of smaller plates


What is the difference between Continental plates and Tectonic plates?

Continental plates are tectonic plates. They are tectonic plates upon which continents rest, and they move as do all tectonic plates. Basically, there is no difference, other than the fact that oceanic plates are another type of tectonic plate.


Are the tectonic plates in the earths inner core?

No the tectonic plates are on top of the crust.


Tectonic plates float on what?

The tectonic plates float on the lithosphere. This overlies the asthenosphere.