For plate tectonic studies, scientists sometimes choose to use a specific plate as a fixed reference frame. Because it is surrounded by ridges and moves slowly relative to the hot spot reference frame, Africa is often used in this capacity. Alternatively, any other plate could be used.

 

This diagram illustrates the motion of the American plate and Australian plate relative to the African plate.

 

The African Plate is shown here in light brown. It wraps around the map with part of the plate on the left side, and part on the right side. This map illustrates all of the plate motions relative to the African plate.