How are the continental plates are formed and how are they eventually ...
Formation of Continental Plates:
Continental plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that make up the Earth's surface. They are formed through a process called plate tectonics, which is driven by the movement of the Earth's mantle.
1. Convection currents:
Convection currents in the Earth's mantle are responsible for the movement of the continental plates. These currents are caused by the heat generated from the Earth's core, which causes the mantle material to rise and sink in a circular motion.
2. Divergent boundaries:
When convection currents move apart, they create divergent boundaries where two plates move away from each other. In these areas, magma rises from the mantle and fills the gap, creating new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading. Over time, the accumulated magma forms new oceanic crust, pushing the existing crust away from the boundary.
3. Subduction zones:
When two plates collide, one plate is forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. This occurs at convergent boundaries where two plates move towards each other. The subducted plate sinks into the mantle and melts, creating magma. The magma rises to the surface, forming volcanic arcs and mountain ranges.
Destruction of Continental Plates:
Continental plates can be destroyed through a process called subduction and collision.
1. Subduction:
As mentioned earlier, subduction occurs when one plate is forced beneath another. In some cases, a continental plate may be subducted beneath an oceanic plate. The dense oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, causing the continental plate to buckle and fold. This process can lead to the formation of mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas.
2. Collision:
When two continental plates collide, neither plate is dense enough to subduct. Instead, the plates are compressed and folded, forming large mountain ranges. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, for example, created the Himalayas.
3. Erosion:
Over time, the forces of weathering and erosion wear down the Earth's surface, including continental plates. Wind, water, and ice can break down rocks and transport sediment, gradually reducing the height and size of mountain ranges.
In conclusion, continental plates are formed through the movement of the Earth's mantle and the processes of seafloor spreading and subduction. They can be destroyed through subduction, collision, and erosion. These processes are part of the dynamic nature of plate tectonics, shaping the Earth's surface over millions of years.
How are the continental plates are formed and how are they eventually ...
Geologists declared that all the continents and even the oceans are actually situated on massive Base of rocks called plates .
there are six major plates on the earth and several minor ones.
these plates actually float on the mantle.
they are constantly being pushed and therefore keep moving slowly.
As a result of this movement one plate pushes another neighbouring plate.
At that time a lot of pressure is exerted by each of them on the other.
In fact the incoming plate dips under the stable plate and goes into the mantle of the earth and becomes molten due to the heat of the mantle.
Thus eventually some continental plates are destroyed.
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