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GEOGRAPHY 
CRASH COURSE
CAPSTONE IAS LEARNING
Page 2


GEOGRAPHY 
CRASH COURSE
CAPSTONE IAS LEARNING
Page 3


GEOGRAPHY 
CRASH COURSE
CAPSTONE IAS LEARNING
Plate Tectonics
• In 1967, McKenzie and Parker suggested the theory of 
plate tectonics. Morgan later outlined the theory in 1968.
• According to the theory of plate tectonics, the earth’s 
lithosphere is broken into distinct plates which are 
floating on a ductile layer called asthenosphere (upper 
part of the mantle).
• Plates move horizontally over the asthenosphere as rigid 
units.
• The oceanic plates contain mainly the Simatic crust and 
are relatively thinner, while the continental plates 
contain Sialic material and are relatively thicker.
Page 4


GEOGRAPHY 
CRASH COURSE
CAPSTONE IAS LEARNING
Plate Tectonics
• In 1967, McKenzie and Parker suggested the theory of 
plate tectonics. Morgan later outlined the theory in 1968.
• According to the theory of plate tectonics, the earth’s 
lithosphere is broken into distinct plates which are 
floating on a ductile layer called asthenosphere (upper 
part of the mantle).
• Plates move horizontally over the asthenosphere as rigid 
units.
• The oceanic plates contain mainly the Simatic crust and 
are relatively thinner, while the continental plates 
contain Sialic material and are relatively thicker.
• Lithospheric plates (tectonic plates) vary 
from minor plates to major 
plates, continental plates (Arabian plate) 
to oceanic plates (Pacific plate), sometimes 
a combination of both continental and oceanic 
plates (Indo-Australian plate).
• The movement of these crustal plates (due to 
convection currents in the mantle) causes the 
formation of various landforms and is the 
principal cause of all earth movements
Page 5


GEOGRAPHY 
CRASH COURSE
CAPSTONE IAS LEARNING
Plate Tectonics
• In 1967, McKenzie and Parker suggested the theory of 
plate tectonics. Morgan later outlined the theory in 1968.
• According to the theory of plate tectonics, the earth’s 
lithosphere is broken into distinct plates which are 
floating on a ductile layer called asthenosphere (upper 
part of the mantle).
• Plates move horizontally over the asthenosphere as rigid 
units.
• The oceanic plates contain mainly the Simatic crust and 
are relatively thinner, while the continental plates 
contain Sialic material and are relatively thicker.
• Lithospheric plates (tectonic plates) vary 
from minor plates to major 
plates, continental plates (Arabian plate) 
to oceanic plates (Pacific plate), sometimes 
a combination of both continental and oceanic 
plates (Indo-Australian plate).
• The movement of these crustal plates (due to 
convection currents in the mantle) causes the 
formation of various landforms and is the 
principal cause of all earth movements
Major tectonic plates
• Antarctica and the surrounding oceanic plate
• North American plate
• South American plate
• Pacific plate
• India-Australia-New Zealand plate
• Africa with the eastern Atlantic floor plate
• Eurasia and the adjacent oceanic plate
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FAQs on PPT: Plate Tectonics - Crash Course for UPSC Aspirants

1. What is plate tectonics?
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into several large and small plates, moves and interacts with each other. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them, and their movement leads to various geological activities such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains.
2. How do plate tectonics cause earthquakes?
Plate tectonics cause earthquakes when two plates come into contact and their edges get stuck. As the plates continue to move, stress builds up along the boundary, and when the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, it is released in the form of an earthquake. The sudden release of energy generates seismic waves that can cause shaking and destruction on the Earth's surface.
3. Can plate tectonics explain the formation of mountains?
Yes, plate tectonics is responsible for the formation of mountains. When two tectonic plates collide, they can either crumple and buckle, creating fold mountains like the Himalayas, or one plate can be pushed beneath the other, forming a volcanic mountain range like the Andes. The collision and compression of the plates over millions of years lead to the uplift and creation of mountain ranges.
4. How do plate tectonics contribute to the formation of volcanoes?
Plate tectonics play a crucial role in the formation of volcanoes. Most volcanoes are found at plate boundaries, where one plate is subducted beneath another or where plates are moving apart. In subduction zones, the sinking plate melts as it descends into the mantle, creating magma that rises to the surface and erupts as volcanoes. In divergent plate boundaries, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap created by the plates moving apart, leading to volcanic activity.
5. What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?
There are several lines of evidence supporting the theory of plate tectonics. One of the key pieces of evidence is the fit of continental coastlines, where the edges of continents appear to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, suggesting they were once connected. Other evidence includes the similarity of rock formations and fossils on different continents, the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries, and the magnetic striping on the seafloor, which indicates the spreading of the oceanic plates.
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