[Physics Class Notes] on Plate Tectonics Pdf for Exam

The Plate which is known as the Tectonics is from the Late Latin word: that is the Tectonics from Ancient Greek.  It is said that Tectonics about the building is a scientific Theory that is said to be describing the large-scale motion of seven large Plates. And the movements are from the Plates of a larger number which is also said to be of smaller Plates of planet earth’s lithosphere. The Tectonic processes are said to begin on Earth which is between 3.3 and 3.5 billion years ago. The model that generally is said to be built on the concept of continental drift is the idea that was developed during the first decades of the 20th century. The geoscientific which we are aware of community accepted Theory of the Plate-Tectonic after seafloor that is said to be spreading was validated in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

What are Tectonic Plates

The lithosphere which is said to be one of the layers of the atmosphere is a rigid outermost shell of a planet that is the crust and upper mantle which is said to be broken into Tectonic Plates.

Tectonic Plates are said to be able to move because the Earth’s lithosphere has greater mechanical strength than the underlying asthenosphere. 

Plate Tectonic Theory

The outer layers of the Earth are said to be divided into the lithosphere and asthenosphere. The division of both the layers is said to be based on differences in mechanical properties and in the method that is for the transfer of heat. The layer that is of the lithosphere is cooler and more rigid so we can say that while the asthenosphere is hotter and flows more easily as compared to the lithosphere. In terms of transfer of the heat the lithosphere loses heat by conduction method whereas on the other hand the asthenosphere also transfers heat by the method of convection and has a nearly adiabatic temperature gradient as well.  We can say that this division concludes that it should not be confused with the chemical subdivision of these same layers into the mantle that is the comprising of both the asthenosphere and the mantle portion of the lithosphere and the crust which is said to be given piece of mantle may be part of the lithosphere.

The key principle of the Plate which are the Tectonics Plates is that the lithosphere that generally exists as separate and distinct Tectonic Plates ride on the fluid-like visco-elastic solid asthenosphere. The motion of the Plate generally ranges up to a typical 10–40 mm/year that is the mid-Atlantic Ridge which is about as fast as fingernails grow to about 160 mm/year so we can say that the Nazca Plate is about as fast as hair grows. 

What is the Theory of Plate Tectonics

It has generally been accepted that the Plates which are known as the Tectonic Plates can move because of the relative density that is of the oceanic lithosphere and the relative weakness of the asthenosphere. When there is a new crust in it then that generally forms at mid-ocean ridges which form the oceanic lithosphere. And it is initially less dense than the underlying asthenosphere and it becomes denser with age as it conductively cools and thickens. We can conclude that the greater density of the old lithosphere relative to the underlying asthenosphere generally allows it to sink into the deep mantle at subduction zones that is providing most of the driving force for Plate movement. The weakness which is of the asthenosphere generally allows the Tectonic Plates to move easily towards a subduction zone.

How to approach Plate Tectonics – Explanation, Theory, and FAQs

If you are someone who is finding the topic of Plate Tectonics – Explanation, Theory, and FAQs then you can follow a very simple approach towards understanding it:

1. Read the associated this chapter from NCERT class 11 geography textbook

2. Before jumping on to this topic, read continental drift Theory and seafloor spreading Theory

3. Then read this topic from ’s website as well as from the NCERT textbook. 

4. Focus on technical terms, keywords, various Plates, evidence for this Theory, how is it better than previous theories and its drawbacks

Conclusion

The topic of Plate Tectonics – Explanation, Theory, and FAQs is one of the most interesting topics in Class 12. It will teach you how our planet came into being in its present form. Sometimes students find it difficult, thus this write-up of has been brought for you. has also made videos available on these topics on which you can access on youtube. Concepts like these can be understood in a very interactive and innovative manner with the help of these videos and other free study materials.