| Mariana plate | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Minor |
| Approximate area | 360,000 km2[1] |
| Movement1 | north-west |
| Speed1 | 39-51mm/year |
| Features | Mariana Islands, Mariana Trench |
| 1Relative to the African plate | |
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The Mariana Plate is a micro tectonic plate located west of the Mariana Trench which forms the basement of the Mariana Islands which form part of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana Arc. It is separated from the Philippine Sea Plate to the west by a divergent boundary with numerous transform fault offsets. The boundary between the Mariana and the Pacific Plate to the east is a subduction zone with the Pacific Plate subducting beneath the Mariana. This eastern subduction is divided into the Mariana Trench, which forms the southeastern boundary, and the Izu–Ogasawara Trench the northeastern boundary. The subduction plate motion is responsible for the shape of the Mariana plate and back arc.[2]
- ^ Alden, Andrew (28 February 2017). "Here Are the Sizes of Tectonic or Lithospheric Plates". ThoughtCo.com. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
- ^ "An updated digital model of plate boundaries: PB2002". peterbird.name. Retrieved 2018-06-02.