GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Faults are cracks in the earth’s crust along which there is movement. These can be massive (the boundaries between the tectonic plates themselves) or very small. If tension builds up along a fault and then is suddenly released, the result is an earthquake.

Detailed explanation-2: -The border between two tectonic plates is called a boundary. There are three main types of boundaries, convergent, divergent or transform.

Detailed explanation-3: -Plates can move apart at a boundary. This type of boundary is called a divergent boundary. It is also referred to as a constructive plate boundary, as new material is being produced at the boundary surface. This type of boundary is dominated by normal faulting, although other types of faulting may be observed.

Detailed explanation-4: -Plate tectonics is the scientific theory explaining the movement of the earth’s crust. It is widely accepted by scientists today. Recall that both continental landmasses and the ocean floor are part of the earth’s crust, and that the crust is broken into individual pieces called tectonic plates (Fig. 7.14).

Detailed explanation-5: -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.