Lesson Preview

The Earth is not a solid ball but is made up of a number of different layers. The top layer of the Earth, the Lithosphere, is composed of moving masses of rock called Tectonic Plates. In this Lesson, students will learn how the Earth's internal structure and the movement of the Tectonic Plates account for important features of the Earth's surface. The internal structure and the Tectonic Plates together account for major geological events like earthquakes, mountain building and volcanic eruptions.
 

Objectives

After studying this Lesson, students will know:

·       that the Earth is made up of several layers, such as a cold, brittle Lithosphere, a hot, convecting Mantle, and a dense, metallic Core

·       that the Earth's surface is composed of large moving masses of rock called Tectonic Plates

·       how fast these plates are moving and that this is caused by movement in the Mantle

·       that earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and mountain building are caused by the movement  of these plates (plate tectonics)

·       exactly what causes earthquakes and volcanoes

·       how earthquakes are measured and how to determine their epicenter and other facts about them

·       exactly how plate tectonics have been responsible for major features of the Earth's (and California's) geology

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B. J. Subbiondo © 2004