Back to Earth Systems and Resources

Lesson PreviewLesson 1 of 9 in this unit

4.1 Plate Tectonics

Part of Earth Systems and Resources in AP® Environmental Science. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's crust is broken into large plates that float on the semi-molten mantle and move slowly over time (a few cm per year). Their interactions at boundaries shape mountains, oceans, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

Continue the full lesson in Stellar

Create a free account to unlock the remaining sections, checkpoints, course practice, and progress tracking for AP® Environmental Science.