Date: 08/28/2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST
Credit: 1 Hour

COURSE INTRODUCTION & OUTLINE:

Plate tectonics (from the Latin tectonicus, “pertaining to building”) is a scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of Earth’s lithosphere. This theoretical model builds on the concept of continental drift which was developed during the first few decades of the 20th century.

 

The lithosphere, which is the rigid outermost shell of a planet, is broken up into tectonic plates. On Earth, there are seven or eight major plates (depending on how they are defined) and many minor plates. Where plates meet, their relative motion determines the type of boundary. Earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain-building and oceanic trench formation occur along these plate boundaries.  

Learning Objectives:
Be familiar with the types of plate boundaries
Understand the driving forces
Understand theory development
Understand plate reconstruction


Course Number:  LWP082826
Field of Study: Geotechnical
Level: Basic
Presenter:
Ronald Finger
Prerequisites: 
None