Geology - Plate Tectonics

This introductory lecture explains the evidence and concepts underlying plate tectonics, including continental drift, seafloor spreading, earthquake patterns, plate boundaries, hotspots, and associated landforms. It is intended for first-year geology and oceanography students.

Syllabus

Intro
Evidence for Continental Drift: Glaciers
Objections to Early Continental Drift Model
Sea Floor Spreading Evidence
Age of Ocean Floor
Earthquakes as Evidence
Global Plate Boundaries
Types of Plate Boundaries
Generation of a Divergent Boundary
Divergent Boundary Features
Convergent Boundaries: Three Types
Convergent Boundary Features
Types of Convergent Boundaries
Transform Boundary Features
Applications of Plate Tectonics
Hawaiian Island - Emperor Seamount Nematath
Hawaiian Islands and the Emperor Seamounts
Global Hotspot Locations
Volcanos and Coral Reef Development
Future Predictions