Tectonic plates are fundamental elements of Earth’s dynamics. These large rigid plates, which make up the surface of our planet, are constantly in motion and interact in complex ways.
A tectonic plate is a gigantic, solid structure that encompasses both the Earth’s crust and a portion of the upper mantle. Earth is divided into several of these plates that float and move on the surface of the globe. The movements of tectonic plates are responsible for numerous geological and geophysical phenomena that shape our planet.