Day 232 of 365

August 20

G
Geography

Tectonic Plates and Continental Drift

Earth's surface is divided into about 15 major tectonic plates floating on the semi-fluid mantle below. They move a few centimeters per year - about as fast as fingernails grow. Over millions of years, this reshapes continents and creates mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

Did you know?

200 million years ago, all continents were joined as Pangaea - and they'll merge again in 250 million years!

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