Plate tectonics is relatively new, put forth in the last 30 years or so — its forerunner was the now-discarded continental drift theory. The theory states that Earth's outer shell is made up of huge slabs of rock called plates that glide over the planet's inner layer, or mantle. As these plates shift, they sometimes collide with other plates, making for some interesting, and even deadly, results on Earth's surface, from erupting volcanoes, to earthquakes, to new mountain ranges. Here's a look at Live Science's news and features related to this constantly moving jigsaw puzzle.
Latest about plate tectonics
Lake Superior rocks reveal build up to giant collision that formed supercontinent Rodinia
Using paleomagnetic samples collected along the shores of Lake Superior, a new study illuminates the movement of a billion-year-old paleocontinent as it crept south toward a tectonic collision.
Why do diamonds come in different colors?
The vast majority of polished diamonds are clear and sparkly, but some come in unexpected colors like blue, green and even pink. So why are some diamonds different colors?
Hot blob beneath Appalachians formed when Greenland split from North America — and it's heading to New York
A hot blob currently beneath the Appalachians may have peeled off from Greenland around 80 million years ago and moved to where it is today at a rate of 12 miles per million years, scientists have found.
What's Earth's lowest point on land?
What's Earth's lowest spot on dry land — and how did it get to be that way?
Why is the Pacific Ocean so big?
Look at any world map and you'll see that the Pacific is the largest ocean. But how did it get so big?
Scientists discover strong, unexpected link between Earth's magnetic field and oxygen levels
Earth's magnetic field and oxygen levels have increased more or less in parallel over the past 540 million years, suggesting the two factors are linked in some way, researchers say.
Venus may be geologically 'alive' after all, NASA reveals
New research strengthens the case that Venus, long considered a geologically stagnant world, may be more Earth-like in its internal dynamics than once believed.
Iran's folded rocks: The crumpled mountains at the intersection of Asia and Europe
Iran's folded rocks are a colorful formation that is part of the Greater Caucasus mountains, which formed when the Eurasian tectonic plate collided with the Arabian plate millions of years ago.
