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Scotia Plate

The Scotia Plate is a small oceanic plate situated in the turbulent waters between South America and Antarctica. It is bounded by the Scotia Arc, a chain of islands including South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The plate is caught between the South American and Antarctic plates, sliding eastward along major transform fault systems. This dynamic setting creates a geologically complex region with active volcanism in the South Sandwich Islands.

Scotia Plate map

Plate Information

Size: 1.6 million km²
Movement: Eastward
Speed: 2 cm/year
Countries: 2

Countries & Territories

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Falkland Islands (partial)

Key Facts

  • Small plate approximately 1.6 million km²
  • Mostly oceanic
  • Bounded by transform faults
  • High seismic activity