Tectonic Hazards, 2.2- Physical Processes at Plate margins Flashcards
The are three main types of Plate boundaries
Constructive, Destructive and Conservative
What is a Destructive Plate Margin?
A Destructive Plate boundary(Convergent) occurs when an oceanic and continental plate moves towards one another. The oceanic is forced under the lighter continental plate. Friction may cause melting of the oceanic plate and may trigger earthquakes. Magma rises up through cracks and erupts onto the surface.
What is a Constructive Plate Margin?
A Constructive Plate Boundary, also known as a Divergent Plate margin, occurs when plates move apart. Volcanoes are formed as magma flows upwards to fill the gap, and eventually a new crust is formed.
What is a Conservative Plate Margin?
A Conservative Plate Boundary, sometimes called a transform plate margin, occurs when two plates slide past each other in opposite directions, or in the same direction at different speeds. Friction is eventually overcome and the plates slip past in a sudden movement. The shockwaves produce an earthquake. This occurs at the San Andreas Fault in California.
What is a Destructive Collision Plate Margin?
A collision zone forms when two continental plates collide. Neither plate is forced under the other, and so both are being forced up and form fold mountains. The Himalayas are formed as a result of a collision plate boundary.
