Earth Science

The physical constitution of the Earth and its atmosphere.

Plate Tectonics

The rigid lithosphere is broken into plates that move over the ductile asthenosphere. This process drives earthquakes, volcanism, and mountain building.

Boundary Types

• Divergent: Plates move apart (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge).
• Convergent: Plates collide, causing subduction or mountain building (e.g., Himalayas, Mariana Trench).
• Transform: Plates slide past one another (e.g., San Andreas Fault).