plate tectonics

plate tectonics — plate tectonics, n. (Geol.) A geological theory which holds that the crust of the earth (the lithosphere) is divided into a small number of large separate plates which float and move slowly around on the more plastic asthenosphere, breaking apart …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Plate tectonics — The tectonic plates of the world were mapped in the second half of the 20th century …   Wikipedia

plate tectonics — plate tectonic, adj. Geol. a theory of global tectonics in which the lithosphere is divided into a number of crustal plates, each of which moves on the plastic asthenosphere more or less independently to collide with, slide under, or move past… …   Universalium

plate tectonics — Tectonics Tec*ton ics, n. 1. The science, or the art, by which implements, vessels, dwellings, or other edifices, are constructed, both agreeably to the end for which they are designed, and in conformity with artistic sentiments and ideas. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

plate tectonics —   the theory concerning the structure of the earth and the processes occurring which explain the configuration of the continents and the location of earthquakes and volcanic activity. There are three types of plate margins, or boundaries between… …   Geography glossary

plate tectonics — noun plural but singular in construction Date: 1969 1. a theory in geology: the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of plates which float on and travel independently over the mantle and much of the earth s seismic activity… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

plate tectonics — тектоника плит (геология) плитотектоника, тектоника платформ или плит …   Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь

plate tectonics — • плитотектоника • тектоника платформ • тектоника платформ или плит • тектоника тектоника …   Англо-русский геологический словарь

plate tectonics — noun The large scale movement of tectonic plates that contributes to continental drift. See Also: tectonic plate …   Wiktionary

plate tectonics — тектоника плит (теория, согласно которой земную кору представляют состоящей из различных плит, медленно смещающихся относительно друг друга; вдоль основных рифтов таких, как срединные океанические хребты, наблюдается расхождение плит,… …   Англо-русский словарь нефтегазовой промышленности