Plate Tectonics
Virginia SOL ES.7
Investigate and understand plate tectonic theory explaining Earth's internal and external geologic processes.
What students need to be able to do
- Explain how convection currents in Earth's interior lead to the movement of plates and influence the distribution of materials in Earth's layers.
- Describe features and processes that occur within plates and at plate boundaries.
- Explain how interaction between tectonic plates causes the development of mountain ranges and ocean basins.
- Identify evidence of geologic processes found in Virginia's geologic landscape.