Identifying Plate Boundaries

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What is a divergent boundary?

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A divergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

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What is a convergent boundary?

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A convergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath the other, a process known as subduction.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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What is a transform boundary?

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A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and often resulting in earthquakes.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process that occurs at convergent boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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Example of a divergent boundary?

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The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a well-known example of a divergent boundary where the Eurasian and North American plates are moving apart.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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Example of a convergent boundary?

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The boundary between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which formed the Himalayas, is an example of a convergent boundary.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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Example of a transform boundary?

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The San Andreas Fault in California is a famous example of a transform boundary where the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate slide past each other.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

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Divergent boundaries often lead to the formation of mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, and new oceanic crust.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

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What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

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Convergent boundaries can create mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

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What geological features are formed at transform boundaries?

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Transform boundaries are characterized by faults and can lead to earthquakes but do not typically create new landforms.