Earths Structure And Layers Questions Medium
The three types of plate boundaries are divergent boundaries, convergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.
1. Divergent boundaries occur when two tectonic plates move away from each other. This movement creates a gap or rift between the plates, allowing magma from the mantle to rise and form new crust. As a result, new oceanic crust is formed in the oceanic ridges, and volcanic activity may occur. An example of a divergent boundary is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
2. Convergent boundaries occur when two tectonic plates collide or come together. There are three types of convergent boundaries: oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, and continental-continental. In an oceanic-oceanic convergence, the denser plate subducts beneath the other, forming a deep ocean trench and volcanic arcs. In an oceanic-continental convergence, the oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate, creating a trench, volcanic arcs, and mountain ranges. In a continental-continental convergence, both plates collide, causing intense folding, faulting, and the formation of large mountain ranges. Examples of convergent boundaries include the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Himalayas.
3. Transform boundaries occur when two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. These boundaries are characterized by intense shear stress, resulting in frequent earthquakes. Unlike divergent and convergent boundaries, no crust is created or destroyed at transform boundaries. The San Andreas Fault in California is a well-known example of a transform boundary.