Convergent Boundaries
Convergent Boundaries are areas where two plates are coming together, or colliding. The result of the collision depends on the type of crust pushing together. A convergent boundary will create a subduction zone, where one plate slides under another one.
Continental-Oceanic:
Forms Trenches and Volcanoes
When two plates collide and the oceanic plate (more dense) sinks/slides under the continental plate (less dense). As the plate sinks underneath,crust is melted and destroyed.
Forms Trenches and Volcanoes
When two plates collide and the oceanic plate (more dense) sinks/slides under the continental plate (less dense). As the plate sinks underneath,crust is melted and destroyed.
Continental-Continental:
Forms Mountain Ranges
When two continental plates that are the same density collide, they push upwards forming mountain ranges. Part of the more dense plate still sinks underneath, destroying some crust.
Forms Mountain Ranges
When two continental plates that are the same density collide, they push upwards forming mountain ranges. Part of the more dense plate still sinks underneath, destroying some crust.
divergent boundaries
Divergent boundaries are created where two plates are pulling apart from each other. The result of this boundary depends upon the location of the plates, either on land or on the seafloor. In either location, new crust is created.
On Land:
Creates Rift Valleys
When two plates pull apart on land, it creates a rift valley where new crust is rising to fill in the boundary. Eventually the rift valley spreads wide enough that the new crust formed is below sea level, which collects water and becomes a lake.
Creates Rift Valleys
When two plates pull apart on land, it creates a rift valley where new crust is rising to fill in the boundary. Eventually the rift valley spreads wide enough that the new crust formed is below sea level, which collects water and becomes a lake.
On the Seafloor:
Creates Mid-Ocean Ridges
When two plates pull apart underwater, it creates a mid-ocean ridge. This is also known as seafloor spreading. Over the years, the seafloor shows how Earth's magnetic field has flipped because the newly formed crust is pointing in different directions.
Creates Mid-Ocean Ridges
When two plates pull apart underwater, it creates a mid-ocean ridge. This is also known as seafloor spreading. Over the years, the seafloor shows how Earth's magnetic field has flipped because the newly formed crust is pointing in different directions.
transform boundaries
Transform boundaries occur when two plates slide past each other. Earthquakes are common along transform boundaries; however, crust is neither created nor destroyed. If a transform boundary is underwater, it can create a tsunami when earthquake energy is released.