Tectonic plates are essentially huge slabs of the Earth’s lithosphere, which comprises the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. These plates are mainly made up of two types of rock: continental crust and oceanic crust.
The continental crust is predominantly composed of lighter materials such as granite, which is rich in silica and aluminum. This makes it less dense compared to the oceanic crust. In contrast, the oceanic crust is primarily made of basalt, which is denser and contains more iron and magnesium. Understanding the composition of these plates is crucial because it influences how they interact with each other during geological processes, such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Overall, tectonic plates are a vital aspect of the Earth’s geology, and their composition helps explain their behavior and the various phenomena associated with plate tectonics.