What are tectonic plates?

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere, which is the outermost layer of the planet. These plates can vary in size and shape and are responsible for many geological phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The movement of tectonic plates is driven by convection currents in the underlying asthenosphere, allowing them to interact at plate boundaries, where they may collide, pull apart, or slide past one another.

The distinction that tectonic plates are large components of the lithosphere is crucial, as it highlights their role in the Earth's structural framework and dynamic interactions. Understanding this definition allows students to grasp how these plates contribute to the behavior and evolution of the Earth's surface over geological time.