The earth is divided into 15 major tectonic plates which fit together like one big puzzle piece. The plates are thin and move at a rate of 2-15cm (1-6in) per year. The movement of the tectonic plates has influence on the Earth’s climate and the evolution of life on the planet. Geologist discovered that the Earth was one big super land mass that formed a “supercontinent.” The tectonic plates move three different ways along the plate boundaries. When plates collide with each other this is called convergent plate boundaries.This movement can cause one of the plates to slide under the other which can request in volcanoes. Also, convergent plate boundaries can make mountains form. When the plates meet with each other they might slip and grind against each and one plate is pushed under the other plate which is called a transform plate boundary. This movement can request in earthquakes due to the friction caused by the plates rubbing against each other. The last way that plates can move is divergent plate boundaries where the plates push apart from each other which will cause Oceanic ridge because the magma rises to the surfaces (Withcott & Laposata, 2012).

Withcott, J. & Laposata, M. (2012). Essential environment: The science behind the stories (4th ed). Boston: Pearson.

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