Plate Tectonics and Landforms

 The interaction of tectonic plates along their boundaries creates spectacular landforms at the surface of the Earth. The type of landform created depends on the type of plate boundary. Here you will examine the movement of the lithosphere's plates and the land surface features that result.

Objectives:

By the end of this activity you will be able to:

• Describe the concepts of sea flooring spreading and continental drift.
• List some of the evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics
• Describe the movement along plate boundaries and associated land surface features that result.
• Describe the landforms that result from folding
• Describe the characteristics of faults.

Instructions:

1. Print the  "Plate Dynamics" video activity sheet
to record answers to video questions.

2. Watch the video "Plate Dynamics". Go to the "Earth Revealed" web site, scroll to  the video and click on the VOD icon. Complete the video activity sheet. A high-speed Internet connection is required (e.g. campus access, cable, DSL). One-time free registration may be required to view video.

3. Fill out the Plate Dynamics video activity submission form and submit.

4. Print and complete the "Tectonic Boundary Processes and Landforms" Data Sheet.

5. Answer the questions on the "Tectonic Boundary Processes and Landforms Questions" submission form using the information collected in item 4 above. Write your answers on a separate piece of paper then transfer to the form to submit thus having a hard-copy in the event of a submission glitch.