Plate Boundaries

Front

What is a plate boundary?

Back

A plate boundary is the edge where two tectonic plates meet, leading to various geological activities such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three main types of plate boundaries are convergent boundaries, divergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, leading to the creation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process that occurs at a divergent oceanic boundary where new oceanic crust is formed as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by large underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes, that can lead to significant coastal flooding.

Front

What are hotspots?

Back

Hotspots are areas where hot mantle plumes push up through the lithosphere, creating volcanic islands, such as the Hawaiian Islands.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a convergent boundary?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs can be formed at convergent boundaries.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate movements.