Final Answer:
We don't need to update the locations of continents on world maps all the time because the movement of Earth's tectonic plates is relatively slow on human timescales. While the plates are in constant motion, the changes in continental positions occur gradually over geological time, and the rate of movement is not significant enough to warrant frequent updates to world maps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The movement of Earth's tectonic plates is indeed a dynamic and continuous process, driven by the heat from the Earth's interior. These plates, which make up the Earth's lithosphere, are constantly in motion, leading to processes such as continental drift and the formation of geological features like mountain ranges and ocean basins. However, the rate of plate movement is typically measured in centimeters per year. For example, the rate of movement along the boundary of the North American and Eurasian plates is roughly 2.5 centimeters per year.
On human timescales, which are much shorter compared to geological timescales, these movements are relatively slow. The changes in continental positions that occur over the course of a few years or even decades are minimal and not easily noticeable. Therefore, world maps remain accurate for extended periods without needing frequent updates. The current positions of continents on a map are essentially snapshots frozen in time that adequately represent the Earth's geography for the duration a map is in use.
In summary, the gradual nature of plate tectonics and the slow pace of continental drift mean that the positions of continents on world maps remain accurate for practical purposes over the short timescales relevant to human activities. Frequent updates are unnecessary as the changes are negligible within the span of a few years or decades.