The major tectonic plates within the Atlantic Ocean are the North American Plate, the South American Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the African Plate.
These plates are separated primarily by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), a divergent boundary where new oceanic crust is formed. Here's a breakdown:
- North American Plate: Located in the North Atlantic, west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
- Eurasian Plate: Located in the North Atlantic, east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
- South American Plate: Located in the South Atlantic, west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
- African Plate: Located in the South Atlantic, east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the key feature influencing the separation and movement of these plates. The plates are moving apart at a rate of approximately 2.5 cm per year, causing the Atlantic Ocean to widen. This is a continuous process driven by seafloor spreading.
