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Plate tectonics

Discover how Alfred Wegner's insights on South America and Africa led to the theory of plate tectonics, including seafloor spreading and plate boundaries. Explore the forces driving this process, from convection currents to geologic activity.

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Plate tectonics

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  1. Plate tectonics

  2. Alfred Wegner • In 1912, he realized that the coastlines of South America and Africa seemed to “fit” together. • Imagine a puzzle. • Then he collected rocks and fossils from both continents. • They were the same!

  3. Seafloor spreading • The seafloor spreads apart at Mid ocean ridges. • At these volcanic areas, Igneous rock cools quickly. • Iron particles are “frozen” into alignment, since the magnetic poles change over time, these stripes show that the ocean has spread over time.

  4. Plate boundaries- • area or margins along which plates meet and interact. • Characterized by frequent major geologic activity (earthquakes and volcanoes) • Use chart on pg. 5 ESRT

  5. Subduction Zone

  6. Divergent boundary

  7. Convergent Boundary

  8. What “drives” this process? • Convection currents in the asthenoshpere. • Materials that are heated are less dense therefore they rise. • Materials that are cooler are more dense therefore they sink.

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