What are tectonic plates:
Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's outer shell (called the lithosphere) that fit together like a puzzle and cover the entire surface of the planet.
How they work:
These plates float on the semi-molten layer beneath them called the asthenosphere.
They are constantly moving, though very slowly .
Their movement is caused by heat from the Earth's core, which creates convection currents in the mantle.
What happens when they move:
Move apart (divergent boundary): New crust forms, like at mid-ocean ridges.
Push together (convergent boundary): Mountains or volcanoes form, or one plate sinks under another.
Slide past each other (transform boundary): Causes earthquakes.
THE END