Image: South American plates
Description: The key principle of plate tectonics is that the lithosphere exists as separate and distinct tectonic plates, which float on the fluid-like (visco-elastic solid) asthenosphere. The relative fluidity of the asthenosphere allows the tectonic plates to undergo motion in different directions. This map shows 15 of the largest plates. Note that the Indo-Australian Plate may be breaking apart into the Indian and Australian plates, which are shown separately on this map.
Title: South American plates
Credit: http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/slabs.html
Author: USGS; cropped by Beyond My Ken (talk) 10:06, 27 February 2010 (UTC)
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No
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