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Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

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Home → Glossary → plate tectonics

plate tectonics

The Earth’s crust is broken up into huge sections, called plates. Plates are constantly in motion, driven by slow convection currents in the mantle. Earthquakes, volcanism, and mountain building at plate boundaries are powerful evidence of these plate movements.

Learn more about plate tectonics.

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