Tectonic Plates and Plate Margins

Question 1

what are Tectonic Plates

Answer 1

tectonic plates are sections of the earths crust split into a number of different plates, each about 100km thick. The plates move in relation to each other due to convection currents. This movement builds up huge pressure causing earthquakes and other tectonic hazards.

Question 2

What is a constructive plate margin

Answer 2

At a constructive margin two plates are moving away from each other, this can form a volcano. The movement of the plates over the mantle can possibly cause earthquakes

Question 3

What is a destructive plate margin

Answer 3

At a destructive plate margin the two plates are moving towards each other. As the plates collide the oceanic plate is forced under the continental plate because it is far denser. This can lead to rising magma and volcanic eruptions. If two continental plates collide the land buckles upwards to form a mountain range called a collision margin.

Question 4

What is a conservative plate margin

Answer 4

At a conservative plate margin the two plates run along side each other. The friction causes the plates to become stuck, pressure builds up and when the energy and pressure is released an earthquake occurs.