Plate tectonics and

seismography
PLATE TECTONICS
Plate tectonics  is a scientific theory describing the
large-scale motion of lithospheric plates.
Movement of the plates over Earth’s surface is
termed plate tectonics.
Plates move at a rate of a few centimeters a year,
about the same rate fingernails grow.
Plate tectonics is derived from the Latin and Greek
word tectonicus,meaning pertaing to building.
HISTORY
German meteorologist Alfred Wegener is often
credited as the first to develop a theory of plate
tectonics, in the form of continental drift.
According to the theory, Earth has a rigid outer layer,
known as the lithosphere, which is typically about 100
km (60 miles) thick.
PRINCIPLES
The outer layers of the Earth are divided into the 
lithosphere and asthenosphere.
The division is based on differences in 
mechanical properties and in the method for 
the transfer of heat.
The lithosphere is cooler and more rigid, while the
asthenosphere is hotter and flows more easily.
The key principle of plate tectonics is that the
lithosphere exists as separate and distinct tectonic
plates
The lithosphere is broken up into seven very large
continental- and ocean-sized plates, six or seven
medium-sized regional plates, and several small ones
Tectonic lithosphere plates consist of  two types of
crustal material: 
oceanic crust (in older texts called sima from silicon
 and magnesium)
  continental crust (sial from silicon and aluminium). 
Types of lithospheric plates
Convergent

Types of
plate
boundarie
s

Divergent transform
Types of lithospheric plates
Transform boundaries: (conservative)
 Occurs where two lithospheric plates slide past each
other. Plates are neither created nor destroyed. The san
Andreas fault in california is an example of a transform
boundary.
Divergent boundaries :(Constructive) 
Occur where two plates slide apart from each other. E.G.,
The mid-atlantic ridge and east pacific rise.
Convergent boundaries (Destructive) (or active margins)
occur where two plates slide toward each other to form
either a subduction zone (one plate moving underneath
the other) or a continental collision
Convergent boundaries (Destructive or active
margins)
Occur where two plates slide toward each other to form
either a subduction zone or a continental collision.
Deep marine trenches are typically associated with
subduction zones, and the basins that develop are often
called "foreland basins". 
E.G :himalayas and alps
It is believed that the earth was joined together as 1
continent called pangea meaning whole earth
Later on the earth plates got divided and formed 7
continents.
This can be prooved as some of continents fit as a
jigsaw fit.
World map
Seismography
Seismography
 the scientific measuring and recording of the shock a
nd vibrations of earthquakes.
How does a seismograph work?
Seismographs operate on the principle of inertia
 A seismograph has a pen that is hanging in the air.
The pen touches a roll of paper called a drum.
 When an earthquake happens, the roll of paper
shakes. The pen does not. A weight holds the pen still.
The marks on the paper show the size of the
earthquake. A small motor rolls the drum of paper.
This lets the seismograph record what happens as time
passes. Someone has to change the paper when it runs
out.
Types of earthquakes
A tectonic earthquake occurs when the earth's crust breaks
due to geological forces on rocks and adjoining plates that
cause physical and chemical changes.
A volcanic earthquake is any earthquake that results from
tectonic forces which occur in conjunction with volcanic
activity.
A collapse earthquake are small earthquakes in
underground mines that are caused by seismic waves
produced from the explosion of rock on the surface.
An explosion earthquake is an earthquake that is the result
of the detonation of a nuclear and/or chemical device.
Earthquake causes tsunami
Richter scale
Earthquakes are measured in richter scale.
Precautions to be done
Obey Public safety precautions.
Leave a message stating where you are going if you
must evacuate your residence.
Take your earthquake survival kit with you.
It should contain all necessary items for your
protection and comfort.
Check your water and electrical lines for defects.
Earthquake structure