The Australian-Plate is a major tectonic plate that covers most of the Australian continent, along with parts of New Guinea, New Zealand, and the eastern Indian Ocean. Here are some key facts and details:
- Size and Extent: The Australian-Plate is approximately 47 million square kilometers in area, making it one of the largest tectonic plates in the world. It extends from the Indian-Plate in the west to the Pacific-Plate in the east.
- Movement: The plate moves northward at a rate of about 5-6 cm per year. This movement is influenced by the northward drift of the Indian-Plate as well, with which it shares a complex boundary.
- Geology: The plate includes both continental and oceanic crust. The continental portion comprises the ancient Australian-Craton, which is one of the oldest sections of Earth's crust, dating back to the Archaean Eon. The oceanic part includes the Argo Abyssal Plain and other submerged features.
- Seismic Activity: The Australian-Plate is involved in several active tectonic zones:
- History:
- Environmental Impact: The movement of the Australian-Plate contributes to the formation of various landforms like mountains, rifts, and basins. It also influences the distribution of flora and fauna due to the shifting landmasses.
- Human Impact: The tectonic activity associated with the plate's boundaries has implications for infrastructure and populations, particularly in terms of earthquake hazards in Indonesia, New Zealand, and other neighboring countries.
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