How far to tectonic plates move each year?
The majority of the research shows that the plates move at the average rate of between approximately 0.60 cm/yr to 10 cm/yr. Some sources state that in the North Atlantic, the rate of movement is only about 1 cm (about 0.4 in) per year, while in the Pacific it amounts to more than 4 cm (almost 2 in) annually, while others say that plates, in general, Travel from 5 to 10 cm/yr. * Stated velocities are the sources judgment. Plate – Absolute Velocity (cm/yr)* Antarctic ~2.05 African ~2.15 Arabian ~4.65 Caribbean ~2.45 Cocos ~8.55 Eurasian ~0.95 Indian ~6.00 Nazca ~7.55 North American ~1.15 Pacific ~8.10 Philippine ~6.35 South American ~1.
