A short tutorial on plate tectonics. Includes a video, background reading, three questions, fast facts, and a vocabulary list. Discusses the publication of the Tharp-Heezen map of the seafloor in 1977 which paved the way for a much...

Scientists have a fairly good understanding of how the plates of the Earth move and how such movements relate to earthquake activity. Most movement occurs along narrow zones between plates where the results of plate-tectonic forces are...

The U.S. Geological Survey provides descriptions and illustrations for the plate boundaries of the Earth's surface.

Material to begin an exploration of plate tectonics and mountain formation. An hour-long video is accompanied by learning goals, an outline and overview, details on metamorphic rocks and mountain building, and ideas for teaching this...

This interactive activity adapted from A Science Odyssey Web site helps you visualize different types of plate tectonic activity and shows the impact this activity has on Earth's surface.

The vast majority of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur near plate boundaries, but there are some exceptions. Learn here all about mantle thermal plumes.