What is another word for continental plate?
Pronunciation: [kˌɒntɪnˈɛntə͡l plˈe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
A continental plate, also known as a lithospheric plate, is one of the massive slabs of the Earth's crust that float on the underlying molten mantle. These plates are responsible for the movement and shaking of the Earth's surface, causing earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building. Other synonyms for continental plate include tectonic plate, crustal plate, lithosphere, and rigid plate. These plates can also be categorized based on their location and size, such as oceanic plates, microplates, and major plates. A thorough understanding of the Earth's continental plates and their movements is vital in predicting natural disasters and studying the Earth's long-term evolution.
