Plate Boundaries

Front

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: divergent, convergent, and transform.

Front

What happens at a transform boundary?

Back

At a transform boundary, two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, which can lead to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What geological feature is commonly found at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains are commonly formed at convergent boundaries due to the collision of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the main cause of earthquakes at transform boundaries?

Back

The main cause of earthquakes at transform boundaries is the friction that builds up as the plates slide past each other.

Front

Where do volcanoes typically form?

Back

Volcanoes typically form at plate boundaries, especially at divergent and convergent boundaries.

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are the movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, which can drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What would happen to convection currents if the heat from the inner core disappeared?

Back

If the heat from the inner core disappeared, convection currents would stop.

Front

What is a rift valley?

Back

A rift valley is a lowland region that forms where tectonic plates are moving apart, often found at divergent boundaries.