EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The term tectonics comes from the Greek word “tektonikos” meaning “to build.” Geologically “plate” means a large slab of rock. Together the terms indicate how Earth’s surface is made of large slabs of rock. Tectonic plates are nor fixed but float atop a layer of solid and molten rock called the mantle.

Detailed explanation-2: -A tectonic plate (also called lithospheric plate) is a massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock, generally composed of both continental and oceanic lithosphere.

Detailed explanation-3: -Tectonic plates are gigantic pieces of the Earth’s crust and uppermost mantle. They are made up of oceanic crust and continental crust.

Detailed explanation-4: -In plate tectonics, Earth’s outermost layer, or lithosphere-made up of the crust and upper mantle-is broken into large rocky plates. These plates lie on top of a partially molten layer of rock called the asthenosphere.

Detailed explanation-5: -Scientists use the term magma for molten rock that is underground and lava for molten rock that breaks through the Earth’s surface.