Final answer:
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains the movements and interactions of the Earth's lithospheric plates. It involves three types of plate boundaries: convergent, divergent, and transform. Plate tectonics is supported by evidence from the shape of continents, distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes, and the study of oceanic crust.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plate Tectonics
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains the movements of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into several large and small plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere and interact with each other at their boundaries. There are three types of plate boundaries: convergent, divergent, and transform. At convergent boundaries, two plates collide, forming mountain ranges or causing volcanic eruptions. Divergent boundaries occur when plates move apart, creating new crust and often leading to the formation of mid-ocean ridges. Transform boundaries involve plates sliding past one another horizontally, resulting in earthquakes.
Plate tectonics is supported by various evidence, including the shape of the continents, the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes, and the study of oceanic crust. The movement of the plates is driven by convection currents in the mantle, where hot material rises and cooler material sinks. This continuous process of plate movement leads to geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the creation of mountain ranges.
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