The earth's crust is divided into 12 large sections called tectonic plates. There are two types of plates - continental and oceanic.
Continental plates contain the world's landmasses.
They are older, lighter and thicker than oceanic plates. Plates move as a result of convection currents in the mantel. Plate margins Margin Description Hazard or feature Example Case Study Destructive Where an oceanic plate moves towards a continental plate. Because the oceanic plate is heavier it subducts under the continental plate. Volcanoes and earthquakes.