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Plate tectonics theory
I can explain the theory of plate tectonics and the mechanisms involved in plate movement.
Lesson 4 of 12
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
Plate tectonics theory
I can explain the theory of plate tectonics and the mechanisms involved in plate movement.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Earth's outer layer (lithosphere) is divided into a number of plates.
- Gravitational sliding, involving the processes of 'ridge-push' and 'slab-pull', contributes towards plate movement.
- Earth's surface provides evidence for plate tectonics theory.
Keywords
Tectonic plate - a large, rigid slab of Earth's lithosphere (outer layer) that sits on the semi-solid asthenosphere beneath it
Asthenosphere - a semi-solid layer of Earth's upper mantle
Convection - the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids: warmer, less dense material rises and cooler, denser material sinks, creating a circular flow
Common misconception
Tectonic plates float like rafts on liquid magma.
The mantle is semi-solid rather than a sort of liquid sea of magma.
The Plate Boundaries layer on ESRI's Geography Visualiser shows the relationship between surface features and plate margins/boundaries.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A is a natural event that has the potential to cause damage, loss of life or economic disruption.
A is a natural event that has the potential to cause damage, loss of life or economic disruption.
Q2.Order the layers of Earth, starting from the outside and going towards its centre.
Order the layers of Earth, starting from the outside and going towards its centre.
Q3.What is magma?
What is magma?
molten or partially molten rock that has been ejected by volcanoes
cooled and solidified rock
Q4.Which of the following are geological hazards?
Which of the following are geological hazards?
flooding
tropical storms
Q5.Hazard is the probability that a natural hazard will affect a population.
Hazard is the probability that a natural hazard will affect a population.
Q6.The is the outer layer of Earth. It is a thin layer between 0 - 60 km thick upon which we live.
The is the outer layer of Earth. It is a thin layer between 0 - 60 km thick upon which we live.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Order the layers of Earth, starting from the surface.
Order the layers of Earth, starting from the surface.
Q2.According to plate tectonic theory, the lithosphere is divided into a number of plates. These plates sit on top of a semi-solid layer of the upper mantle called the asthenosphere.
According to plate tectonic theory, the lithosphere is divided into a number of plates. These plates sit on top of a semi-solid layer of the upper mantle called the asthenosphere.
Q3.What is the lithosphere?
What is the lithosphere?
the very centre of Earth
where an earthquake starts from
Q4.What are characteristics of the asthenosphere?
What are characteristics of the asthenosphere?
mostly made of crust: oceanic and continental crust
lower density as solid rocks are not compressed as much
Q5.Put the convection current theory in the correct order.
Put the convection current theory in the correct order.
Q6.In 1912, Alfred Wegener published a theory that the continents had once been joined together and had since moved apart. This theory was known as drift.
In 1912, Alfred Wegener published a theory that the continents had once been joined together and had since moved apart. This theory was known as drift.
