Plate Boundaries

Front

What is a plate boundary?

Back

A plate boundary is the edge where two tectonic plates meet, leading to geological activity 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, divergent, and transform boundaries.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two plates collide, which can create mountains, earthquakes, or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in sea-floor spreading and the formation of new oceanic crust.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where a denser tectonic plate slides beneath a less dense plate, often leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Front

What geological features are formed by subduction?

Back

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

Front

What occurs at transform boundaries?

Back

At transform boundaries, tectonic plates slide past each other, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is a volcanic arc?

Back

A volcanic arc is a chain of volcanoes formed above a subducting plate, typically found at convergent boundaries.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at divergent boundaries as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What are folded mountains?

Back

Folded mountains are formed when two continental plates collide, causing the Earth's crust to fold and rise.