write a note on plate tectonic theory.
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Earth scientists have attempted to explain the formation of physical features with the help of some theories based on certain evidences.
One such plausible theory is the “Theory of Plate Tectonics”. According to this theory, the crust (upper part) of the earth has been formed out of seven major and some minor plates.The movement of the plates results in the building up of stresses within the plates and the continental rocks above, leading to folding, faulting and volcanic activity.
Broadly, these plate movements are classified into three types.
⇒While some plates come towards each other and form convergent boundary.
⇒Some plates move away from each other and form divergent boundary. In the event of two plates coming together they may either collide and crumble, or one may slide under the other.
⇒At times, they may also move horizontally past each other and form transform boundary. The movement of these plates have changed the position and size of the continents over millions of years.