Which layer of the Earth makes up the tectonic plates?

Answer 1

Plate tectonics (from Greek τέκτων, tektōn "builder" or "mason") is a theory of geology which was developed to explain the observed evidence for large scale motions of the Earth's crust. The theory encompassed and superseded the older theory of continental drift from the first half of the 20th century and the concept of seafloor spreading developed during the 1960s.

The outermost part of the Earth's interior is made up of two layers: above is the lithosphere, comprising the crust and the rigid uppermost part of the mantle. Below the lithosphere lies the asthenosphere. Although solid, the asthenosphere has relatively low viscosity and shear strength and can flow like a liquid on geological time scales. The deeper mantle below the asthenosphere is more rigid again.

The lithosphere is broken up into what are called tectonic plates—in the case of Earth, there are seven major and many minor plates (see list below). The lithospheric plates ride on the asthenosphere. These plates move in relation to one another at one of three types of plate boundaries: convergent, divergent, and transform. Earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain-building, and oceanic trench formation occur along plate boundaries. The lateral movement of the plates is typically at speeds of 0.66 to 8.50 centimetres per year.

Answer 2

The lithosphere, or crust, is the where the tectonic plates are located. Below it is the astenosphere, which cushion the plates. Below that is the mantle. And below that are the inner and outer cores, made out of nickel and iron. The outer core is liquid, the inner core is solid.

Answer 3

This probably isn't to the level of detail that you'd like, however, I was once shown an experiment that shows how convection currents work with regards to the continents using custard, tin foil and crisps... Make/put a batch of custard in a pan. Cut 2 pieces of tinfoil, one approx 15cm x 6cm and another of 6cm x 6cm. Carefully set them floating on the custard then put one crisp on the 6x6 and two crisps (at opposite ends) on the 15x6. Slowly heat the custard. What you should see is the 15x6 slowly pull together and collide the crisps while the 6x6 should move about on the convection currents independently.

Answer 4

the crust but if they collide lower down the crust you get a earthquake low on the Richter scale and if its very near the top you get an earthquake high on the Richter scale

Answer 5

The Crust
tc

Answer 6

The top layer (which we live on) which is called the crust.

Answer 7

The outer mantle I believe.

Answer 8

The crust or mantle?

Answer 9

its the crust about four miles thick

Answer 10

the crust