Section

2 The Earth changes

Connecting

The Lithosphere and Tectonic Plates

What would you think if someone said to you that the surface of the Earth is
like a puzzle? The most external zone of Earth is called the lithosphere. It is
made up of the oceanic crust, the continental crust, and the exterior part of
the mantle.
The lithosphere is not a solid surface, but instead is composed of different parts
that fit together, similar to a puzzle. These parts are called tectonic plates.

oceanic crust continental crust

mantle lithosphere tectonic plates

Fun Fact!
One modern theory is that in the past the continents were all connected together as one
giant continent called Pangaea. It separated due to the movements of the tectonic plates.

174 Unit 5 / Earth and the Universe

 Explain changes of the Earth’s surface

The Movement of Tectonic Plates

Tectonic plates are never at a standstill, that is to say they are in constant motion. Since they are located
above a mantle zone they are able to move. When tectonic plates move, three interactions can take place:

The tectonic plates move closer The tectonic plates move away The tectonic plates rub together.
together and one goes under from each other.
the other.

The different tectonic movements are responsible for the great changes that the Earth has experienced and
continues to experience. Some changes take place slowly, such as the formation of mountains and volcanoes,
and others take place very quickly, like earthquakes.

Practicing

1. Go to Activity Card 9. Cut out the tectonic plates along the red lines. Put the puzzle together. Then, answer.
a. Which tectonic plates are in contact? Give examples. Identify

b. What cities are located above a tectonic plate contact zone? Name three. Associate

Summarizing

The lithosphere is the most zone of the Earth. It is made of

and it is divided into .

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