In seismology, a tectonic plate is a part of a planet's crust. Tectonic plates are most famous for their part in earthquakes. When tectonic plates rub against each other on a fault, an earthquake is caused. Earthquakes are extreme planetary vibrations that can disrupt all activity on a world. Tectonic plates are also instrumental in the formation of mountains, when two plates move together the ground is shifted upward and peaks. Tectonic plates could be manipulated in various ways for different outcomes.
Applications
The New Atlantis Project, circa 2367
In 2367, Captain Jean-Luc Picard exposed the false Ardra by manipulating the tectonic plates of Ventax II with the USS Enterprise-D's tractor beam. Ardra had been doing this with her ship, while claiming it was her divine powers. (TNG: "Devil's Due")
On Earth, the New Atlantis Project involved the tectonic plate in the Atlantic Ocean. The project would create a new continent, like the mythical city of Atlantis. (TNG: "Family")
Q Junior moved the tectonic plates of Bozel Prime and refused to apologize. (VOY: "Q2")
Appendices
Additional references
See also
- Continent
- Richter scale
- Tectonic stress regulator