Which of the following is the largest crustal plate on Earth with an area of…
2024
Which of the following is the largest crustal plate on Earth with an area of over 103,000,000 km2?
- A.
South American plate
- B.
African plate
- C.
Eurasian plate
- D.
Pacific plate
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Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
The largest crustal (tectonic) plate on Earth is the Pacific Plate.
Analysis
Area: The Pacific Plate covers approximately 103 million square kilometers, making it significantly larger than any other tectonic plate on Earth.
Composition: It primarily consists of the oceanic crust beneath the Pacific Ocean and extends to include margins near North America, South America, Asia, and Antarctica.
Significance: Because of its massive size and the activity along its boundaries—often referred to as the "Ring of Fire"—it is a critical focus for studying geological processes like earthquakes and volcanic activity.