Plate Boundaries

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges or rift valleys.

Front

What geologic feature is commonly found at a divergent boundary?

Back

Rift Valley.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often leading to one plate being forced below another, resulting in mountains or volcanic activity.

Front

What geologic feature is commonly found at a convergent boundary?

Back

Mountain.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past one another horizontally, causing earthquakes.

Front

What geologic feature is commonly found at a transform boundary?

Back

Fault lines.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is the main cause of earthquakes at transform boundaries?

Back

The sliding motion of tectonic plates past one another creates stress that is released as earthquakes.

Front

What happens at a subduction zone?

Back

At a subduction zone, one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

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 due to tectonic plate movements.