Grade 10 Science: The Lithosphere

Introduction

• Instructor: Miss Deya El Mundo
• Topic: Lithosphere
• Module: SDO Kalokan, Grade 10 Science, Week 1
• Learning Objectives:
  • Describe and relate the distribution of:
    • Active volcanoes
    • Earthquake epicenters
    • Major mountain belts
  • Understand plate tectonics
  • Differentiate between oceanic and continental crust
  • Identify major lithospheric plates
  • Discuss scientific basis for dividing lithospheric plates

World Maps Comparison

• First Map:
  • Shows countries, continents, oceans, and islands
  • Colors differentiate features
• Second Map:
  • Depicts tectonic plates and plate boundaries
  • Lithosphere includes land above and below water

Lithosphere and Tectonic Plates

• Tectonic Plates:
  • Smaller sections of the lithosphere
  • Edges are called plate boundaries
• Types of Lithospheric Plates:
  • Continental Lithosphere:
    • Thick (25-70 km)
    • Old rocks (mostly granite)
    • Density: ~2.7 g/cm³
  • Oceanic Lithosphere:
    • Thinner (7-10 km)
    • Younger rocks (mostly basalt)
    • Density: ~3.0 g/cm³

Comparison of Lithospheric Plates

| Characteristic | Continental Lithosphere | Oceanic Lithosphere |
|-------------------------|------------------------|--------------------|
| Relative Age | Older | Younger |
| Relative Thickness | Thicker | Thinner |
| Relative Density | Less Dense (2.7 g/cm³) | Denser (3.0 g/cm³) |
| Type of Rock | Granite | Basalt |

Types of Plates by Size

• Primary Plates:
  • Larger than secondary plates
  • Examples:
    • Pacific Plate
    • North American Plate
    • Eurasian Plate
    • African Plate
    • Antarctic Plate
    • Australian Plate
    • South American Plate
• Secondary Plates:
  • Smaller in size
  • Examples:
    • Juan de Fuca Plate
    • Nazca Plate
    • Coco Plate
    • Caribbean Plate
    • Philippine Plate
    • Arabian Plate
    • Indian Plate
    • Scotia Plate

Basis for Dividing Lithospheric Plates

• Data Used:
  • Distribution of earthquake epicenters
  • Volcanic activity
  • Major mountain ranges
• Observations:
  • Most seismic and volcanic activity occurs along plate boundaries
  • Pacific Ring of Fire is a prime example

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway:
  • Understanding the lithosphere helps in comprehending geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• Q&A:
  • Students encouraged to reach out with questions after class.

---

• End of Lesson:
  • Thank you for participating!