Tectonic Plate - GCSE Geography Definition

A tectonic plate is a large, solid slab of rock that makes up part of the Earth's surface, which is called the crust. These plates fit together like a giant jigsaw puzzle and slowly move around on the semi-fluid layer beneath them, known as the mantle. The movement of these plates can cause earthquakes, form mountains, and create volcanoes. There are several major plates, such as the Pacific Plate and the Eurasian Plate, but they are not fixed in place; instead, they are constantly shifting, which is why Earth’s surface is always changing over time. Understanding tectonic plates helps us learn about natural processes and how different landforms are created on our planet.