Plate Movement

The speed of plate movement is measured by monitoring how rapidly a plate moves relative to the plate next to it. Plates move at an average of about 10 centimeters a year. The speeds may vary about 1 – 12 centimeters per year. The evidence of plate movement is mostly found near or at the plate boundaries. Scientists study surface features, such as mountains and ocean trenches, and investigate the frequencies and locations of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Palaeomagnetism, which is the study of magnetism in ancient rocks, also provides evidence of plate movement. The evidence is in rocks, which contain magnetic particles.

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