Tectonic Plates & Crustal Features

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What is a convergent boundary?

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A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in the formation of mountains or subduction zones.

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What is a transform boundary?

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A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

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What is a divergent boundary?

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A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often causing volcanic activity.

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What are mid-ocean ridges?

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Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by divergent tectonic plates, where new oceanic crust is created.

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What is the significance of oceanic bedrock age at mid-ocean ridges?

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The age of oceanic bedrock increases with distance from mid-ocean ridges, supporting the theory of plate tectonics and seafloor spreading.

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What is the Pacific Plate?

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The Pacific Plate is one of the largest tectonic plates, located beneath the Pacific Ocean, and is involved in various geological activities.

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What is the North American Plate?

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The North American Plate is a tectonic plate covering North America and parts of the Atlantic Ocean, interacting with several other plates.

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What is the Peru-Chile Trench?

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The Peru-Chile Trench is a subduction zone where the Nazca Plate is being subducted beneath the South American Plate.

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What are folded mountains?

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Folded mountains are formed when two continental plates collide, causing the Earth's crust to fold and rise.