Tectonic Plate Boundaries Quiz

Convergent Plate Boundaries

• Convergent plate boundaries occur where two tectonic plates move toward each other.
• This interaction leads to the formation of mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Transform Plate Boundaries

• Transform plate boundaries are locations where two plates slide past one another horizontally.
• They are characterized by earthquakes and fault lines as the plates grind against each other.

Divergent Plate Boundaries

• Divergent plate boundaries feature tectonic plates moving apart from each other.
• These boundaries are commonly associated with mid-ocean ridges and the creation of new oceanic crust.

Differences Between Convergent and Divergent Boundaries

• Convergent boundaries involve plate collision, leading to subduction or mountain formation, while divergent boundaries involve plates separating, resulting in new crust formation.
• Convergent boundaries generally cause geological features like trenches and volcanoes, unlike divergent boundaries which produce ridges.

Tectonic Plates

• Tectonic plates are massive slabs of Earth's lithosphere that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.
• They float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them, allowing movement.

Causes of Tectonic Plate Movement

• Movement is driven by mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push forces.
• Heat from the Earth’s core creates convection currents in the mantle that cause plates to shift.

Composition of Continental Tectonic Plates

• Continental tectonic plates are primarily composed of lighter, granitic rocks.
• They have a thicker structure compared to oceanic plates.

Composition of Oceanic Tectonic Plates

• Oceanic tectonic plates are made up of denser basaltic rocks.
• The composition allows for the formation of ocean floors.

Tectonic Plate Movement Zone

• Tectonic plates move freely in the upper portion of the Earth's mantle known as the asthenosphere.
• This region exhibits plastic behavior, allowing the plates to shift without rigid constraints.

Test your knowledge of tectonic plate boundaries, including convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries. Learn about how tectonic plates interact and the basics of the Earth's crust.