TYPES OF PLATE MOVEMENT

CONVERGENT

This is also known as a destructive boundary, a geological feature where two tectonic plates collide and move towards each other. One plate often subducts (slides) beneath the other, while others might collide and buckle to form mountain ranges.

OCEANIC-OCEANIC

When two oceanic plates collide, the denser plate will subduct beneath the other. This creates deep ocean trenches and can lead to the formation of island arcs along the edge of the overriding plate.

OCEANIC-CONTINENTAL

In this scenario, the denser oceanic plate subducts beneath the less dense continental plate. This subduction process leads to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs along the edge of the continent.

CONTINENTAL-CONTINENTAL

When two continental plates collide, they are both relatively buoyant and resist subduction. Instead, they crumple and buckle, leading to the formation of large mountain ranges and thick crustal structures.

DIVERGENT

A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other. Along these boundaries, earthquakes are common and magma (molten rock) rises from the Earth's mantle to the surface, solidifying to create new oceanic crust.

CONTINENTAL RIFT

When two continental plates diverge, the crust between them weakens and can collapse, forming rift valleys. Over time, these rift valleys can widen, eventually splitting apart into separate continents, a process known as rift-to-drift.

MID-OCEAN RIDGES

These are underwater mountain ranges that form along divergent boundaries where two oceanic plates move apart. Magma rises from the mantle, solidifies, and creates new oceanic crust, essentially expanding the seafloor. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a prime example of a mid-ocean ridge.

TRANSFORM

Transform plate movements involve tectonic plates sliding horizontally past each other along a transform fault. This movement is neither constructive nor destructive, meaning no new crust is created or old crust is destroyed at these boundaries.

DEXTRAL (RIGHT-LATERAL)

The plate on the opposite side of a transform fault moves to the right as you face the fault.

SINISTRAL (LEFT-LATERAL)

The plate on the opposite side of a transform fault moves to the left as you face the fault.

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