This volume presents an introduction to the field of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory which describes the large scale motions of Earth's rigid outermost shell. The authors begin with an historical introduction concerning early ideas of continental drift and Earth dynamics that leads into discussion and consideration of plate motions and geometry. This is followed by several chapters that define, describe in detail, and illustrate the various features, processes, and settings that comprise the plate tectonic realm: graben structures, passive continental margins, ocean basins, mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, and transform faults. The remaining chapters deal with mountain-building processes as a consequence of plate tectonics and the collision of terranes and large continents. These chapters illuminate plate tectonic processes from the early history of the Earth to the present.--