plate tectonics

noun

plural in form but singular in construction

1

: a theory in geology: the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of plates which float on and travel independently over the mantle and much of the earth's seismic activity occurs at the boundaries of these plates

2

: the process and dynamics of tectonic plate movement

also : a similar process on a body other than earth compare continental drift

plate-tectonic

ˈplāt-tek-ˈtä-nik 

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, while it’s currently understood that Venus does not have Earth-like plate tectonics, data provided by Magellan has shown tectonic structure like folds, faults, rift zones and mountains across the planet. —Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2023

This type of activity doesn’t constitute true plate tectonics, explains Robin George Andrews for the New York Times, because not all of Venus’ surface is covered by jostling plates of crust and those plates don’t appear to slide over or under one another as Earth’s do. —Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2021

If Mars had plate tectonics, those also stopped long ago. —Marissa Grunes, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2023

For years, scientists have been revising the notion that our nearest planetary neighbor is geologically dead, as different studies converge on the conclusion that some of its volcanoes are active even without plate tectonics, which fuels most of them here on Earth. —Carolyn Y. Johnson, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Mar. 2023

By using the lasers to squeeze samples of rocks and metals to those deep planetary pressures, researchers can see how the samples behave, discovering their resistance to flow (important for plate tectonics) or their ability to conduct electricity (important for magnetic-field generation). —Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2023

One thing that came up when Newitz talked to planetary scientists and geologists was plate tectonics, the movement of large portions of the Earth’s surface that builds mountains but also causes earthquakes and tsunamis. —Patrick J. Kiger, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2023

Those stresses then weaken the outer crust, aiding or generating plate tectonics similar to those seen on Earth. —Ramin Skibba, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2019

His research suggests the formation of this innermost inner core could be tied to a change in plate tectonics hundreds of millions of years ago. —Kasha Patel, Anchorage Daily News, 24 Feb. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

plate tectonics

noun

1

: a theory in geology: the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of moving plates whose movements cause seismic activity (as earthquakes)

2

: the process of plate movement

plate-tectonic adjective