Why do plate tectonics affect the Earth?

First, let us consider what plate tectonics does not do. Plate tectonics does not impact the mass of the earth nor does it significantly change its' volume or alter its' attitude or movements in any significant way. read more

Plate tectonics does not impact the mass of the earth nor does it significantly change its’ volume or alter its’ attitude or movements in any significant way. Tectonics has no impact on the relationship of the earth to the solar system as a whole, nor the rest of the universe for that matter. read more

People don’t often think about the fact that plate tectonics is responsible for the survival of life on land. Plate tectonics is the process of continents being moved passively by oceanic crust that is created at mid-oceanic ridges. read more

Hello Fifth-Grades: Here's some information on plate tectonics to help you better understand this phenomenon. Remember, the Earth is always changing, always moving. The Earth's rocky crust (both oceanic and continental) is comprised of a series of plates that float on the semi-solid or magma-like mantle. read more

Tectonic plates have no effect on Earth itself. However, they do affect living things on Earth. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happen because of plate tectonics moving constantly. They are moved by convection currents emanating from deep in the mantle. Just picture plates of ice moving in the Arctic and Antarctic seas. read more