In the early 1960s, the emergence of the theory of plate tectonics
started a revolution in the earth sciences. Since then, scientists have
verified and refined this theory, and now have a much better understanding
of how our planet has been shaped by plate-tectonic processes. We now know
that, directly or indirectly, plate tectonics influences nearly all geologic
processes, past and present. Indeed, the notion that the entire Earth's
surface is continually shifting has profoundly changed the way we view our
world.
People benefit from, and are at the mercy of, the forces and consequences
of plate tectonics. With little or no warning, an earthquake or volcanic
eruption can unleash bursts of energy far more powerful than anything we
can generate. While we have no control over plate-tectonic processes, we
now have the knowledge to learn from them. The more we know about plate
tectonics, the better we can appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the land
upon which we live, as well as the occasional violent displays of the Earth's
awesome power.
This booklet gives a brief introduction to the concept of plate tectonics
and complements the visual and written information in This Dynamic Planet
(see Further reading), a map published in 1994 by the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) and the Smithsonian Institution. The booklet highlights some
of the people and discoveries that advanced the development of the theory
and traces its progress since its proposal. Although the general idea of
plate tectonics is now widely accepted, many aspects still continue to confound
and challenge scientists. The earth-science revolution launched by the theory
of plate tectonics is not finished.
Oldoinyo Lengai, an active volcano in the East African Rift Zone, where Africa is being pulled apart by plate-tectonic processes. (Photograph by Jorg Keller, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany.)
"Contents"
URL: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/preface.html
Last updated: 05.05.99
Contact: bhanks@usgs.gov