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The Dynamic Earth: An Interpretive Discussion on Plate Tectonics Overview The solid Earth is a dynamic environment that is continually changing as a result of tectonic forces. These forces are responsible for creating many of the geologic features we see. They also govern active geologic events, such as mountain building, large earthquakes and explosive volcanic eruptions. Some geologic processes, such as volcanic eruptions or earthquakes, are so forceful they can destroy a town within minutes. Scientists study active tectonic processes for many reasons, ranging from predicting and mitigation of geologic hazards to improving our understanding of the forces that have shaped the planet.
Currently geologists are working on the theory of plate tectonics. Geologically speaking, a "plate" is a large, rigid slab of rock. The word tectonic stems from the Greek root "to build". The theory of plate tectonics states that the earth's outermost, rigid layer, the lithosphere, is fragmented into a dozen or more irregularly shaped plates that are riding atop a hotter, more mobile material, the asthenosphere. While the theory of plate tectonics is now widely accepted, it is a relatively new idea that has many aspects that continue to confuse and challenge scientists. This guide will give you a step-by-step discussion of the theories behind plate tectonics as well as the evidence for plate tectonics. It will also discuss what is thought to be the driving motion of the Earth's plate, as well as, how to understand the effects of this motion.
Primary Author: Bree Burdick
Contributing Authors: Peter Griffen, Bill White
Edited By: Emilie Hooft-Toomey and Douglas R. Toomey
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