---
cited_by: []
definition: 'A theory of global tectonics in which the lithosphere is divided into a number of plates whose pattern of horizontal movement is that of torsionally rigid bodies that interact with one another at their boundaries, causing seismic and tectonic activity along these boundaries.'
href: https://data.globalchange.gov/gcmd_keyword/6971fecc-af14-4c97-82db-2b01c98453b9.yaml
identifier: 6971fecc-af14-4c97-82db-2b01c98453b9
label: PLATE TECTONICS
parent_identifier: c9a5b3eb-7556-41a8-a2b8-c015db80e5b2
uri: /gcmd_keyword/6971fecc-af14-4c97-82db-2b01c98453b9