Scientists discover new tectonic plate

[rangerrebew]

Scientists discover new tectonic plate
"We think there's another plate we're missing," researcher Tuo Zhang said.
By Brooks Hays   |   Aug. 14, 2017 at 12:41 PM
 

Aug. 14 (UPI) -- A team of researchers from Rice University in Texas have discovered a new tectonic plate off the coast of Ecuador. There were 56 plates; now, there are 57 -- and researchers think there could be one more to find.

Scientists discovered the microplate -- which they've dubbed "Malpelo" -- while analyzing the movements of what they believed to be the convergence of a trio of plates.

https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2017/08/14/Scientists-discover-new-tectonic-plate/3411502719006/

[IsailedawayfromFR]

I recall in my geology class early in the 70s this was a new concept to explain the earth's surface.

[Suppressed]

I recall in my geology class early in the 70s this was a new concept to explain the earth's surface.

Yup.

Continental Drift: Old
Plate Tectonics: New

Basically, instead of the continents plowing through the ocean floor, they float around as the ocean floor is active, too.