Asthenosphere can act like a viscous liquid right?
Is lithosphere part of the crust, or just part of the mantle?
The core is the most solid part within the earth right? P-waves can travel through all the layers, except for S-waves right?
Also What really is the plate tectonic theory. I want to know like what it means. For example the continental drift theory indicates that the continents have moved slowly during time. They were once joined together and formed a big land mass known as Pangea, and slowly drifted apart.
Does the plate tectonic theory revolve around diverging, converging and transforming plates? Id like to know the actual definition of what the plate tectonic theory is, thanks. Also Ive checked on the internet, but didn't find the answer I longed for, so could you please explain to me about this, thank you very much for the help:)
I have no credentials in geology but can suggest this as a good introduction to plate tectonics.
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/techist.html
The theory was first proposed by Alfred Wegener of Germany (who also was not a geologist). Some aspects of the theory have changed with time, but he was basically right.
The plates move along major fault lines and subduction zones, where one plate plunges under the other.
Yes, the asthenosphere can act as a viscous liquid due to its high temperature and pressure. It is a zone within the upper mantle where the rock is semi-molten and can flow slowly over long periods of time.
The lithosphere is part of both the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It consists of the solid outermost layer of the Earth, which includes the crust and the rigid portion of the upper mantle.
Yes, the core is the most solid part within the Earth. It is divided into two regions: the outer core, which is liquid due to high temperature, and the inner core, which is solid due to extreme pressure.
P-waves (primary waves) can travel through all layers of the Earth, including the core. S-waves (secondary waves), however, cannot travel through the liquid outer core and can only pass through solid materials.
The plate tectonic theory is a scientific theory that describes the movement and interaction of lithospheric plates on the Earth's surface. It explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small tectonic plates that are constantly moving.
The main idea behind plate tectonics is that the Earth's lithosphere is broken into rigid plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. These plates can move, collide, and interact with each other, resulting in various geological features and phenomena.
Diverging plate boundaries occur when two plates move away from each other, resulting in the creation of new crust. This can lead to the formation of mid-ocean ridges and volcanic activity.
Converging plate boundaries occur when two plates collide. Depending on the type of plates involved, different geologic features can form, such as mountains, trenches, and volcanoes.
Transform plate boundaries occur when two plates slide past each other horizontally. This can lead to earthquakes and the formation of faults.
Overall, plate tectonics provides an explanation for various geological phenomena, such as the location of earthquakes and volcanoes, the formation of mountain ranges, and the distribution of continents and ocean basins.
I hope this explanation helps clarify the concept of plate tectonic theory for you. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!