Plate tectonics is a scientific theory by which the origin of most of the major features seen on the Earth's surface are explained. This theory tells un that the Earth has an outer shell made up of about 30 rigid pieces, called tectonics plates, some of which are vast: most of the Pacific ocean covers a single plate. The movement of the plates is responsible for the faulting and folding of the earth's crust, creating volcanoes, mountain ranges and so on. The plates are able to move on a layer of molten rock beneath, which is so hot that it flows though it remains solid. The plates move up to 10 cm (4 ins) a year.
Fact file
Plates have been moving about for hundreds of millions of years. So, in spite of their very low speeds, some of them have moved vast distance over the past several hundred million years.
resources: Tell mw why (Chancellor Press)
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