Plate Boundaries and Interactions Plate Tectonics Plate Boundaries and Interactions

The Theory of Plate Tectonics The Earth’s surface is divided into plates that move and interact with one another.

Overview of Plate Boundary Interactions

Divergent Plate Boundaries Plates are moving apart. New crust and lithosphere is “created” Associated with ocean ridges, rift valleys, volcanism, earthquakes and high heat flow.

Examples found on Earth: Mid-Atlantic Ridge, African Rift Valley, Iceland

Convergent Plate Boundaries Plates are moving towards each other. Old crust and lithosphere is “recycled”. Associated with ocean trenches, island arcs and mountain ranges. Earthquakes and volcanism are common.

Examples found on Earth: Himalayas, Pacific Ring of Fire, Andes Mountains, Marianas Trench

Transform Plate Boundaries Plates slide past each other, oftentimes connecting two ridges or trenches. Crust is deformed or fractured; Lithosphere is neither created nor recycled. Long faults and earthquakes common. Examples found on Earth: San Andreas Fault

Plate Boundaries, Earthquakes and Volcanic Activity