The Philippine Sea Plate is primarily considered an oceanic plate. It is located beneath the Philippine Sea and is defined by the geologic features associated with the oceanic floor.
Unlike continental plates, which are thicker and composed mostly of granitic rocks, oceanic plates like the Philippine Sea Plate are thinner and made mostly of basalt. This difference in composition is significant because oceanic plates are generally created at mid-ocean ridges through volcanic activity and are constantly being recycled back into the mantle at subduction zones.
The geographical characteristics of the Philippine Sea Plate further affirm its oceanic nature, as it includes deep-sea trenches, such as the Mariana Trench, and several volcanic islands formed through tectonic activity. In conclusion, the primary classification of the Philippine Sea Plate is that it is an oceanic plate, playing a crucial role in the tectonic activities that shape its surrounding regions.