The Southern California Integrated GPS Network Education Module Exploring the use of space technology in earthquake studies Concepts covered Master list for Sections 1-4 Plate tectonics Structure of the Earth Geophysical studies have uncovered much new information about the Earth's interior, including its composition and mechanical properties.
Plates Plate tectonic theory tries to account for the movement of plates over time.
According to this model, the lithosphere is divided into 7 major and several minor plates which move in relation to one another. Plate boundaries Plate boundaries are wide zones of deformation where two or more plates interact. They are found at the edge of plates and are characterized by three distinct motions. There are three different stresses which act upon a material in three distinct ways. Faults Faults are surfaces along which rocks have been fractured and displaced.