Tectonic plate

Meaning

A tectonic plate is a large area of the earths crust the size of which is defined by the tectonic plate margins which divide the separate plates. Tectonic plates are made up of oceanic crust and continental crust and there are 7 major tectonic plates that largely make up the earth's continents and oceans.

These plates are officially named:

1. African Plate

2. Antarctic Plate

3. Australian Plate

4. North American Plate

5. Pacific Plate

6. South American Plate

7. Eurasian Plate