Plate Tectonics(2) In the 1960s research by many geologists and oceanographers melded into the revolutionary hypothesis of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is a group of processes by which large fragments(plates) of lithosphere move horizontally across the surface of the earth Through their movements and interactions they generate: ■ Earthquakes. Volcanism Mountain-building Other geologic processes.Plate Tectonics (2) ◼ In the 1960s, research by many geologists and oceanographers melded into the revolutionary hypothesis of plate tectonics. ◼ Plate tectonics is a group of processes by which large fragments (plates) of lithosphere move horizontally across the surface of the Earth. Through their movements and interactions, they generate: ◼ Earthquakes. ◼ Volcanism. ◼ Mountain-building. ◼ Other geologic processes