Plate Boundaries

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What is a plate boundary?

Back

A plate boundary is the edge where two tectonic plates meet. These boundaries can be classified into three main types: convergent, divergent, and transform.

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What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other, leading to subduction.

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What is a divergent boundary?

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A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, often forming mid-ocean ridges.

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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, which can cause earthquakes.

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What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often occurring at convergent boundaries.

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What type of crust is denser: oceanic or continental?

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Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust, which is why it often subducts beneath continental crust at convergent boundaries.

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What geological feature is formed at divergent boundaries?

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Divergent boundaries create new sea floor, often forming mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a mantle hot spot?

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A mantle hot spot is a location where hot magma from the mantle rises to the surface, often creating volcanic islands, such as the Canary Islands.

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What happens at a transform boundary?

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At a transform boundary, tectonic plates slide past each other, which can lead to earthquakes but does not create or destroy crust.

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What is the Ring of Fire?

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The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, primarily due to tectonic plate boundaries.