What are plate tectonics? Try this simple home experiment to understand
Well, the Earth's interior is divided into four layers: the inner core, the outer core, mantle and crust. The crust is the thinnest of the layers, consisting of solid rock plates that move around.
Scientists have discovered that the Earth's surface is made up of a series of stiff yet shifting plates. Different things happen at the point where the plates contact as they move. When two plates pull apart, rifts emerge, and when the plates push together, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Plate tectonics is the name given to this process. Tectonic plate movement is responsible for the majority of Earth's geological activity.
So, how can you explain this concept of earth science to your little learner? Here’s an easy-peasy do-it-yourself (DIY) activity that would help you demonstrate this concept to your kids. Read below to know more.
What you’ll need
- Globe
- Oranges
- Trays
- Toothpicks
- Clay
- Goggles
- Apron
- Plastic gloves
How-to
Get these on a table, call your child, and start the experiment. Here’s a step-by-step guide for your kids to follow:
- Wear your goggles, apron, and plastic gloves properly.
- Examine the globe before moving on to the orange.
- Peel the orange without using a knife, working over a tray to catch any falling bits or juice.
- Make the pieces as big as possible; around 4 to 5 pieces would be good.
- Peel the orange and place it on a clean tray.
- Arrange the pieces on the tray that has been cleaned. Examine the orange's shape in comparison to the individual pieces.
- A continental plate is represented by each individual piece of peel. There are both large and tiny plates on the earth, with roughly 12 major ones.
- Re-attach the peel to the orange, fixing the 'plates' with toothpicks if necessary.
- Notice the boundaries between each of the pieces. These cracks are called fault lines where the plates may rub against each other or move apart from one another.
- Apply a small layer of play dough or clay to the orange to represent the layers of soil or water that cover the plates on the actual Earth.
- Now, compare this model of clay-filled oranges to the globe.
How does the concept of plate tectonics work?
In this experiment, earth's surface and the various tectonic plates that cover it are represented by the orange peel. The mantle layer is represented by the fruit beneath the peel. The model shows how the plates fit together. Further, two plates may occasionally move away from each other. The crust might have rifts or could be cracked as a result of this movement. On the other hand, two plates may collide or converge at times. If these plates are oceanic or continental, this movement creates subduction zones. In case the pieces are land plates, the interaction between them will result in the formation of mountains. The edges of tectonic plates are rough and subjected to continual stress and strain. Parts of the plates' boundaries get caught when they move. The plates eventually break free, releasing the energy that has built up between the clashing edges, resulting in a violent tremor, or earthquake.