4.1 Tectonic Plates

Question 1

What is a convergent boundary?

Answer 1

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide or come together. This collision can result in various geological features such as mountains, volcanic activity, and earthquakes.

(Think of a convergent boundary like two cars crashing head-on. The force of their collision creates intense shaking (earthquakes), crumpling of metal (mountain formation), and sometimes even an explosion (volcanic eruption).)

Question 2

What is a divergent boundary?

Answer 2

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, resulting in the creation of new crust as magma rises to fill the gap.

(Imagine a divergent boundary like a zipper on a jacket. As you unzip it, the two sides move apart, creating space for new fabric (new crust) to come up from underneath and fill the gap.)

Question 3

What is a transform boundary?

Answer 3

A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause earthquakes.

Imagine two cars driving side by side on a road, but in opposite directions. As they pass each other, there may be friction and shaking between the two cars, similar to how tectonic plates experience friction and earthquakes at a transform boundary.