Earth's crust is divided into differently sized parts called litospheric or tectonic plates. These plates can consist of continents and oceanic parts, and they move by either bumping into each other, moving away from each other, or by gliding past one another.

Our planet's crust is divided into seven tectonic plates. These plates are those of Africa, Antarctica, Australia-India, South America, Eurasia, North America, and the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the planet's surface also contains other, smaller plates. All of these plates float and move above the planet's mantle, which consists of molten rock. 

Over the course of our planet's history, the continental plates have moved and shifted drastically. They continue their movement to this day. 

Animations about plate tectonics  
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