Tectonic Plates

3D Model

Earth’s surface appears to be still, but it is actually constantly on the move. Its outer shell is made up of huge slabs of moving rock called tectonic plates. The plates fit together like puzzle pieces to make up Earth’s surface. Their movements change the planet’s features, depending on how the plates meet. Some plates are crunching together, and may form mountains. Others are splitting apart. When this occurs under the ocean, it creates new ocean floor. Some plates grind past each other. These are the most likely to cause earthquakes.