geography plate boundaries Flashcards
(4 cards)
Explain why earthquakes and volcanic eruptions take place along destructive plate margins.
lighter continental crust being subducted by dense oceanic crust. A subduction zone is formed where the oceanic crust sinks beneath the continental crust. As the oceanic crust goes below the continental crust, it melts and forms magma, which can result in explosive composite volcanoes.
why do conservative plate boundaries from earthquakes
conservative plate margin, the plates move past each other or are side by side moving at different speeds. As the plates move, friction occurs and plates become stuck. Pressure builds up because the plates are still trying to move. When the pressure is released, it sends out huge amounts of energy, causing an earthquake.
why do constructive plate boundaries form islands and volcanoes
At constructive plate boundaries, the tectonic plates are moving away from one another. The Earth’s crust is pulled apart to create a new pathway for rising hot magma to flow on to the surface. Volcanoes can sometimes form in these setting; one example is Iceland.
why can earthquakes and mountain ranges be formed at collision plate boundaries
If two continental plates collide, neither can sink and so the land buckles upwards to form fold mountains as pressure builds up as the plates collide. This is called a collision margin. Earthquakes can occur at collision margins.
