Plate Boundaries

Plate boundaries are the regions where tectonic plates meet. There are three main types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

Divergent Boundaries

Divergent boundaries occur where tectonic plates move away from each other. This movement can create rift valleys and mid-ocean ridges. The most famous divergent boundary is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Convergent Boundaries

Convergent boundaries occur where tectonic plates move towards each other. This movement can lead to the formation of mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs. The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate has resulted in the formation of the Himalayas.

Transform Boundaries

Transform boundaries occur where tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause earthquakes. The San Andreas Fault in California is a well-known transform boundary.

Study Guide

1. What are the three main types of plate boundaries?
2. Describe the movement at a divergent boundary and provide an example.
3. What geological features can be formed at a convergent boundary? Give an example of a convergent boundary.
4. What type of movement occurs at a transform boundary? Provide an example of a transform boundary.
5. How are earthquakes related to plate boundaries?