I would like to understand what constitutes the earth's crust? There is a modern theory, which suggests that at the heart of our Earth are some blocks - tectonic plates that are constantly moving relative to each other. This scientific version fully explains many natural phenomena, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. In general, mountain formations are also a consequence of movement, or rather, the replacement of one plate by another. For thousands of years, tectonic plates have been in constant motion. They stretch or shrink every now and then and, as a result, simply crack, and the scientists call the split line faults. These faults can extend hundreds of kilometers along the earth, and can go far into the earth's crust. Plates consist of rocks that rub against each other when moving, this leads to a "shudder" of the earth, in other words - earthquakes. If you pay attention to Japan, you can see a large number of permanent earthquakes that take place in this country. This is explained by the fact that on the territory of this state there is a junction of several plates: North American, Pacific, Eurasian and Philippine. The movement of tectonic plates leads to the fact that there is geological activity and frequent earthquakes. By the way, the last earthquake in Japan occurred due to the fact that the Eurasian plate moved 20 cm. At the same time, the remaining plates continue to move westward, which means that new earthquakes are inevitable. But the most impressive boundaries of the tectonic plates are ocean basins that pass under water. We can only observe the echoes of these tremors, which reach us in the form of a tsunami. The strength and power of nature simply amazes and makes you feel powerless against the most powerful elements. Yet in some places, mankind can look at the tectonic plates of the earth, the borders of which are not hidden under the water, but form deep canyons on land. So, for example, there are many volcanoes on the territory of Iceland, this is entirely due to the fact that this country is at the junction of two powerful plates: Eurasian and North American. In the Icelandic Thingvellir National Park, you can see a giant canyon, which is called Almannagya and extends 8 km in length, and its width is 64 meters. Through the continuation of the canyon Alfagyap, a special “bridge between the continents” passes. Sometimes we can observe a completely unusual relief - the landscape design created by nature itself: rocky shores and steep cliffs.
Also, tectonic plates, colliding with each other, can lead to another, no less dangerous natural disaster - the eruption of volcanoes. Therefore, one of the most dangerous phenomena for a person’s life is considered to be an avalanche to the surface of the earth. This fiery mixture of steam, gases, half-molten rock rumbles through an opening in the earth's crust at an incredible speed, destroying everything in its path and posing a danger to the life of all living things.
However, one should not assume that tectonic plates, the movement of which can cause powerful natural disasters, always lead to such consequences. Basically, the movement of the plates is so slow and gradual that we simply do not notice it. Only after a while can we note that the water level in the well near the house used to be significantly higher or lower, and the old house at the end of the street is noticeably settled. It is thanks to this movement that you and I have such a diverse relief, and therefore different flora and fauna, which is characteristic of a particular material.
