Continental plates are large sections of the Earth's crust that make up the continents. These plates float on the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath them and can move slowly over time. The movement of these plates is driven by forces such as mantle convection and gravity, leading to geological activities like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The Earth's surface is divided into several major continental plates, including the North American Plate, Eurasian Plate, and African Plate. The interactions between these plates can create mountain ranges, ocean trenches, and other geological features, shaping the planet's landscape over millions of years.