In the example shown, subduction, spreading and strike-slip motion are all found. In the real world, these motions can be observed using the Global Positioning System Satellites and other space geodetic techniques, such as Very Long Baseline radio Interferometry . Geologists have been excited to learn that the motions derived with these techniques over periods of a few years are very similar to those observed over periods of millions of years in the geologic record. To re-run the animation click here . The triangles mark the places where volcanoes such as Mt. Fuji, Mt. St. Helens are formed.
New crust is formed and acquires a remnant magnetization.
As the oceanic plate rotates counter-clockwise about the Euler pole, new crust is formed in the spreading centers on the Western boundary, while old crust is destroyed in the subduction zones on the Eastern boundary. Even though the example is simple, the concepts it illustrates are fundamental to the science of plate tectonics. By using paper cut-outs in the 1960's, scientist such as Vine, Matthews and Cox accurately predicted the motion of plates, and reconstructed their positions in the past. Carefully push a thumbtack through the Mantle plate from the back, then place Oceania on top and push the thumbtack through it. Repeat with Brickonia .