Plate Boundaries

Front

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 the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, creating new crust as magma rises to the surface, often resulting in mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

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What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geological features are commonly found at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs are commonly found at convergent boundaries.

Front

What geological features are commonly found at divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys are commonly found at divergent boundaries.

Front

What geological features are commonly found at transform boundaries?

Back

Fault lines and earthquakes are commonly associated with transform boundaries.

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What happens to oceanic crust at a convergent boundary?

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At a convergent boundary, oceanic crust is often subducted beneath continental crust, leading to the formation of trenches and volcanic activity.

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What is subduction?

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

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What is the Ring of Fire?

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

Front

How do earthquakes occur at transform boundaries?

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Earthquakes occur at transform boundaries due to the friction and stress that build up as the plates slide past each other.