Plate Boundaries

Front

What are plate boundaries?

Back

Plate boundaries are the edges where two tectonic plates meet, and they can be classified into three main types: convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates move towards each other, which can result in one plate being forced below the other (subduction) or the plates colliding and forming mountains.

Front

What happens at a divergent boundary?

Back

At a divergent boundary, two tectonic plates move apart from each other, leading to the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

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 subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another plate into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

How do earthquakes relate to plate boundaries?

Back

Earthquakes often occur at plate boundaries due to the movement and interaction of tectonic plates, which can create stress and release energy.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

Back

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which are less dense and thicker.

Front

What is a volcanic island arc?

Back

A volcanic island arc is a chain of volcanic islands formed at a convergent boundary where an oceanic plate subducts beneath another oceanic plate.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

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.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by divergent tectonic plates, where new oceanic crust is created.