what is the scientific basis for dividing the lithosphere into plates?
Answers
Answer:
The lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates based on research and measurement of the movements of those plates. If a large section of the lithosphere is all moving in the same direction and at the same speed then it is thought to be a techtonic plate. Different sections of the lithosphere move in different directions and at different speeds.
Plates that are moving towards each other can do several different things. The plates can meet and push upwards, causing mountain ranges, one of the plates can slide under the other plate, and lastly the two plates can both plunge deeper into the mantle.
hope it helps^_^
The earth's lithosphere is divided into a number of units, and its called as the plates. The distinct boundaries of the seven major tectonic plates namely The Pacific Plate, The Eurasian Plate, The Indo-Australian Plate, The North American Plate, The South American Plate, The African Plate and The Antarctic Plate.
The presences of epicenters of earthquakes are mostly on or near the boundary of two tectonic plates and these help in figuring out the direction and type of tectonic plates' movement.