Plate Tectonics and Land Forms Life Sciences Coursework (Coursework Sample)

Plate Tectonics and Land Forms
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The Earth has three major parts in its structure. The three layers or regions include the mantle (middle), crust (upper), and the core (lower). The individual parts have distinct features. The core is the center of the earth and characterizes with high temperatures. The mantle is the middle layer and has moderate temperatures. The crust is the top part that inhabits the majority of the living organisms. The crust is also the part of the majority of the earth’s physical features (landforms) that define the landscape. The crust has mountains, valleys, rivers, rocks, hills, lakes, deserts, and many other physical features. The formation of the various physical characteristics or landforms relies on certain forces working below the crust (in the mantle). Mainly, the mantle has rocks called the tectonic plates that are in a continuous motion. The motion of the plates leads to the creation of three boundaries that include transform, convergent, and divergent. These plates influence all processes and landforms that appear on the Earth’s surface.
The tectonic plates are central to the continental drift theory that explains the formation of the continents of the Earth. According to the method, the Earth was once a single and continuous landmass (Pangaea). However, the movement of the tectonic plates increased under the influence of certain forces. The increased actions of the plates triggered the splitting of the Pangaea. Consequently, the continents of Africa, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania formed.