What created the tectonic plates of the earth?

Answer 1

Simple answer, God.

Answer 2

Scientifically speaking, volcanic processes are what create & continually form the earth's crust. Originally, after the earth formed, it developed into layers as the dense elements (like iron & nickel) sank to the center & the lighter, rocky elements floated outward, toward the surface to form the crust. Earth’s layers, each w/ different properties, are the crust (both oceanic crust & continental crust), the mantle (upper mantle & lower mantle), & the molten outer core, which lies around the solid inner core.

The lithosphere, which is composed of the crust & part of the upper mantle, is divided into segments called plates. The plates move & continually change shape & size. The slow movement of the plates (the riding of the lithosphere over the more fluid-like asthenosphere) is generated by the unequal heat distribution within the earth, which is generated by the radioactive decay of elements.

This melting of the interior of the earth acts as an internal convection system that moves hot material from deep within the mantle upward. The warm, less dense material rises & the cooler, denser material sinks.

The grinding movements of the plates along the plate boundaries are what generate earthquakes (at transform boundaries), volcanoes (at convergent boundaries, where one plate descends to create a subduction zone), & mountain building (at convergent boundaries, where both plates collide to create uplift). At divergent boundaries, separation of the plates creates new ocean floor (sea floor spreading) or rift valleys (on land). This movement of the plates continues at a rate of about 5 cm/yr.

According to Wegener's (german scientist-1915) Continental Drift hypothesis, about 250 million yrs ago, a supercontinent existed called Pangea (meaning "all land"). About 200 million yrs ago, Pangea began breaking apart into smaller continents, which started w/ the rifting (separation) that eventually resulted in the Atlantic Ocean. More rifting continued over the next 200 million yrs until the continents eventually drifted to their present positions.

With advances in technology, this hypothesis was replaced by the theory of Plate Tectonics (about 1968). According to Plate Tectonics, the plates include the ocean floors, & are divided by boundaries, which are continuously forming & deforming (changing). So the major difference b/t the Continental Drift Hypothesis & the Theory of Plate Tectonics is that Wegener thought that the continents moved through the ocean floor, not with it. We now know that segments of the lithosphere (which include the ocean floor), move as a unit. Plate boundaries are not defined entirely by the margins of the continents, but extend into the oceans as well.

Below is a good website w/ diagrams which explains this as well. While volcanic processes are what form the plates, I personally believe that these processes were set into motion in the 1st place by a purpose (I would call this God).

Answer 3

The Wedgewood China company created the original tectonic plates to celebrate the coronation of an English King. They ranged from dinner platters down to small saucers. I think the originals are in the Tower of London.

Answer 4

Apparently the earth and other planets in the solar system were created by the clumping of dust particles left over from the formation of our sun. Under extreme pressure, the cores of these planets would become liquid, with a 'crust' on the surface. The convection currents deep within the earth's core create fragmentation and movement of the surface layer (crust+upper mantle). Where the boundaries try to slide past each other we get friction and 'lock' the sudden release between these sections cause the shocks we call earthquakes. When the boundaries collide, they either build up like wrinkles (mountain building) or slide one under another (subduction) where the heat from the lower mantle melts the material and we get volcanic activity as the molten material forces up between faults in the crust. To say 'God dunnit!' explains nothing and contributes nothing to the explanation, which is based on reason,deduction and measurement.

Answer 5

I think when the world started they were formed. when a earthquake or a volcano happens it is the tectonic plates.

Answer 6

I was looking forward to answering this question as a amateur gem and fossil collector I have a keen interest in geology but alienfiend 1 has beaten me to the correct answer. But there again it could have been GOD creating them so he can make earthquakes and tsunamis to kill all the people. Maybe not

Answer 7

it all started off as one big land mass that began to break apart over many millenia