What is the Plate Tectonic Theory and how do divergent and convergent boundaries affect geological formations?
Understand the Problem
The passage provides an overview of the Plate Tectonic Theory, explaining the types of plate boundaries, specifically divergent and convergent boundaries, and their implications for geological formations such as rifts and subduction zones.
Answer
Divergent boundaries create oceanic ridges as plates move apart. Convergent boundaries form mountains or deep-sea trenches when plates collide.
The Plate Tectonic Theory explains how Earth's lithosphere is divided into several plates that move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere. Divergent boundaries occur where plates move apart, forming oceanic ridges, while convergent boundaries occur where plates collide, creating mountains or deep-sea trenches.
Answer for screen readers
The Plate Tectonic Theory explains how Earth's lithosphere is divided into several plates that move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere. Divergent boundaries occur where plates move apart, forming oceanic ridges, while convergent boundaries occur where plates collide, creating mountains or deep-sea trenches.
More Information
The Plate Tectonic Theory is central to understanding geological activity like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, linking them to the movement of tectonic plates. Divergent boundaries are often found in ocean floors, where new crust is formed, while convergent boundaries can lead to the formation of the Earth's tallest mountain ranges like the Himalayas.
Tips
Misunderstanding the direction of plate movements at different boundaries is a common mistake. At divergent boundaries, plates move away from each other, whereas at convergent boundaries they move towards one another.
Sources
- Understanding Plate Motions - pubs.usgs.gov
- Plate Boundaries: Divergent, Convergent, and Transform - calacademy.org
- Plate Tectonic Boundaries - education.nationalgeographic.org
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