How many plates are there in the world

Tectonic plates form either divergent, transform, or convergent boundaries when they come in contact. Such boundaries are highly susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Orogeny also takes place at such boundaries. Tectonic plates are defined as major and minor plates depending on their size.

The Pacific Plate is estimated to be ,, square kilometers in size. Found underneath the Pacific Ocean, it is the largest of all tectonic plates. Most of the Pacific Plate is made up of oceanic crust, except for areas around New Zealand and parts of California. The nature of the Pacific Plate was notably responsible for forming the islands of Hawaii.

The Hawaiian Islands were originally volcanoes that rose above the water over millions of years to form landmasses. These volcanoes were formed at hot spots in the Pacific Plate. This tectonic plate hosts the Ring of Fire , an area on the floor of the Pacific Ocean where volcanic activity and earthquakes are most active. It consists of both continental crust and oceanic crust. A few hot spots underneath the plate are responsible for active seismic activity, the most famous example of which may be the Yellowstone geyser.

The Eurasian Plate has an estimated area of 67,, square kilometers. It is the third-largest of the major tectonic plates. Most of the continents of Europe and Asia are in the Eurasian Plate. Several geological formations can be found on this plate, the most prominent of which is the Himalayan Range. The Himalayan mountains formed as a result of the collision between the Eurasian Plate and the Indian Plate. The Eurasian Plate is a geologically active plate, with volcanoes and earthquakes occurring in its territory.

The African plate is the fourth largest tectonic plate with an estimated area of 61,, square kilometers. Best Answer. Study guides.

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How are the tectonic plates named? How do earthquakes affect the geography? What triggers the earthquake? What are the plates that make up Earth's crust? Earthquakes occur mainly allong the edges of? What is the difference between Continental plates and Tectonic plates? Why do some places in the world have more natural disasters than others? While an earthquake safety kit will be of help after an earthquake, the planning conversations you have with your family members before an earthquake are most important.

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