Here’s a comparison between tectonic plates and lithospheric plates in tabular form:
| Feature | Tectonic Plates | Lithospheric Plates |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Large rigid pieces of the Earth’s lithosphere that move and interact with each other | Outermost and rigid layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and uppermost part of the mantle |
| Composition | Composed of both the crust and a portion of the upper mantle | Composed of the Earth’s crust and the uppermost part of the mantle |
| Number | Divided into several major and minor plates | Consist of several tectonic plates |
| Size | Vary in size, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of kilometers in diameter | Vary in size, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of kilometers in diameter |
| Interactions | Move, collide, separate, or slide past each other along plate boundaries | Interact with each other along plate boundaries |
| Types of Boundaries | Convergent, divergent, and transform plate boundaries | Convergent, divergent, and transform plate boundaries |
| Plate Tectonics | Integral part of the theory of plate tectonics | Conceptualized within the theory of plate tectonics |
| Mantle Relationship | Float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere of the mantle | Part of the lithosphere, which includes the mantle |
| Dynamic Nature | Continuously moving and changing positions over geologic time | Subject to plate motions and dynamic processes |
| Geological Features | Associated with various geological features, such as mountain ranges, oceanic trenches, and rift valleys | Influence the distribution of continents, oceans, and various geological formations |
It’s important to note that the terms “tectonic plates” and “lithospheric plates” are often used interchangeably and refer to the same concept of rigid pieces of the Earth’s outermost layer. The lithosphere is composed of both the crust and a portion of the upper mantle, and the tectonic plates are defined by their movement and interactions along plate boundaries.
