---
title: "SG4: Plate Tectonics Evidence (Georgia Science standard)"
code: SG4
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Science, SG4
subject: science
grades:
  - high-school
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SG4
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SG4.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/SG4.md
source_url: https://case.georgiastandards.org/ims/case/v1p1/CFDocuments/27a08dc6-416e-11e7-ba71-02bd89fdd987
source_last_changed: 2025-05-29
data_built: 2026-09-18
publisher: Georgia Homeroom, a free public-interest project of Georgia Civic Data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education or any school district.
up: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md
index: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/index.md
---

# SG4: Plate Tectonics Evidence

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the evidence for plate tectonics; investigate the roles of Earth’s internal processes as a mechanism of plate motion; and assess the relationship between plate tectonic boundary type and geologic hazards.

- Subject: Science
- Appears in: High School, https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md

## Expectations

- **SG4.a**: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes the mechanisms causing tectonic plate movement, the different types of plate boundaries, and how boundary type relates to mountain building, earthquakes, volcanism, and features such as volcanic arcs, hot spots, and mid ocean ridges. (Clarification statement: Include the role of radioactive decay as a source of heat energy driving the process of convection, as well as the physical processes of slab pull and ridge push.)
- **SG4.b**: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes the mechanisms that create melt in the lithosphere in relationship to plate tectonics. (Clarification statement: The role of pressure release, added heat, and added water content should be studied relative to the plate tectonic locations where this melting occurs.)
- **SG4.c**: Use models to predict and differentiate between the various types of folds and faults. (Clarification statement: Show the relationship between stress and strain relative to nature and type of deformation.)
- **SG4.d**: Use models to communicate the differences between folded, fault-block, dome, plateau, and volcanic mountains to investigate their relationship to tectonic setting.
- **SG4.e**: Analyze and interpret data to classify volcanoes using their interior/exterior features, magma composition, lithology, and plate tectonic setting
- **SG4.f**: Analyze and interpret seismic data and assess risk of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in Georgia and other areas in the United States. (Clarification statement: Include sources of seismic risk in Georgia from historic tectonic events (stored energy at “dormant” fault zones).)

## Georgia Milestones coverage

No Georgia Milestones blueprint cites this standard.

Source: Georgia Standards of Excellence, published by the Georgia Department of Education at case.georgiastandards.org.