Podcast
Questions and Answers
The Earth's surface is reshaped by the interactions at plate boundaries, which can result in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and ocean ______.
The Earth's surface is reshaped by the interactions at plate boundaries, which can result in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and ocean ______.
trenches
At divergent boundaries, plates ______ creating new lithosphere as magma rises from the mantle.
At divergent boundaries, plates ______ creating new lithosphere as magma rises from the mantle.
move apart
The collision of two continental plates at a convergent boundary, where neither plate subducts, leads to the formation of massive mountain ranges like the ______.
The collision of two continental plates at a convergent boundary, where neither plate subducts, leads to the formation of massive mountain ranges like the ______.
Himalayas
Frequent earthquakes are observed along fault lines at transform boundaries due to the ______ of plates sliding past each other horizontally.
Frequent earthquakes are observed along fault lines at transform boundaries due to the ______ of plates sliding past each other horizontally.
The San Andreas Fault is an example of a ______ boundary, where plates slide past each other horizontally.
The San Andreas Fault is an example of a ______ boundary, where plates slide past each other horizontally.
Unlike at convergent or divergent boundaries, crust is neither created nor ______ at transform boundaries.
Unlike at convergent or divergent boundaries, crust is neither created nor ______ at transform boundaries.
At convergent boundaries, the ______ plate usually subducts beneath the less dense plate, leading to the formation of ocean trenches.
At convergent boundaries, the ______ plate usually subducts beneath the less dense plate, leading to the formation of ocean trenches.
Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys are often formed at ______ boundaries, where plates move apart.
Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys are often formed at ______ boundaries, where plates move apart.
Plate boundary interactions significantly impact the planet's landscape, climate, and the ______ of life.
Plate boundary interactions significantly impact the planet's landscape, climate, and the ______ of life.
Those plate boundaries that are clearly defined, such as mid-ocean ridges and ocean trenches, have distinct ______ features.
Those plate boundaries that are clearly defined, such as mid-ocean ridges and ocean trenches, have distinct ______ features.
Flashcards
Divergent Boundaries
Divergent Boundaries
Plates move apart, creating new lithosphere. Magma rises, forming mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.
Convergent Boundaries
Convergent Boundaries
Plates collide; the denser plate subducts, forming trenches and volcanic mountain ranges.
Transform Boundaries
Transform Boundaries
Plates slide past each other horizontally, creating friction and earthquakes.
Mid-ocean ridges
Mid-ocean ridges
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Subduction
Subduction
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Ocean trenches
Ocean trenches
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Tectonic Plates
Tectonic Plates
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Lithosphere
Lithosphere
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Plate Tectonics
Plate Tectonics
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Mountain Ranges (at Convergent Boundaries)
Mountain Ranges (at Convergent Boundaries)
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Study Notes
- Tectonic plates are constantly moving and interacting at their boundaries. These interactions shape the Earth's surface.
Types of Plate Boundaries
- There are three main types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform.
Divergent Boundaries
- Plates move apart at divergent boundaries, creating new lithosphere.
- Magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap, forming mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.
- Earthquakes are common, but generally smaller than at other boundaries.
Convergent Boundaries
- Plates collide at convergent boundaries.
- The denser plate usually subducts beneath the less dense plate, forming deep ocean trenches and volcanic mountain ranges.
- Powerful earthquakes are common at these boundaries.
- If two continental plates collide, neither subducts, resulting in the formation of massive mountain ranges like the Himalayas.
Transform Boundaries
- Plates slide past each other horizontally at transform boundaries.
- This creates significant friction, leading to frequent earthquakes along fault lines like the San Andreas Fault.
- Crust is neither created nor destroyed at these boundaries.
Well-Defined vs. Poorly Defined Boundaries
- Some plate boundaries are clearly defined by topographic features like mid-ocean ridges and ocean trenches.
- Others are less distinct, making their mapping more challenging.
Global Impact
- Plate boundary interactions are responsible for many of Earth's most dramatic geological features and events.
- Plate boundary interactions significantly impact the planet's landscape, climate, and the distribution of life.
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