Course Topic: Plate Tectonics
This topic will be divided into four overarching sections:
1) Earth's Interior- A detailed look at the nature of the interior layers of Earth. This includes the composition of each layer and convection currents in the mantle (along with an overview of convection in general)
2) Continental Drift- The theory described by Alfred Wegener that examines the movement of Earth's continents over time. This will include looking at ancient supercontinents such as Pangaea and evidence for the motion of continents such as matching fossils across South America and Africa.
3) Plate Tectonics- An overview of the two types of crust (continental and oceanic) and how they interact with each other at plate boundaries. This will include convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries, along with the geologic events and formations that can occur at each one.
4) Earthquakes- Examining the nature of earthquakes caused by moving plates. This will include seismic waves and their properties, as well as how seismic waves have helped scientists map out the interior of Earth over time. The destructive potential of earthquakes and the prevention thereof will also be discussed.