Match the plate boundary at which each land form, or event, can occur. There may be more than one answer for each land form/event.
plate boundaries:
divergent
convergent
transform
Land forms/events:
rift valley
ocean trench
new sea floor
earthquake
rift valley - divergent, transform
ocean trench - convergent
new sea floor - divergent
earthquake - all plate boundaries
- Rift valley: Divergent plate boundary
- Ocean trench: Convergent plate boundary
- New sea floor: Divergent plate boundary
- Earthquake: Convergent plate boundary (can also occur at transform plate boundaries)
To match each landform or event with the plate boundary at which it can occur, we need to understand the different types of plate boundaries.
1. Divergent plate boundary: At a divergent boundary, two plates move away from each other. This creates a gap or rift between the plates, which can lead to the formation of various landforms.
- Rift valley: A rift valley is a long, narrow depression that forms when two plates move apart. Examples include the East African Rift Valley and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Therefore, the landform "rift valley" can occur at a divergent plate boundary.
- New sea floor: As plates move apart at a divergent boundary, magma rises up from the mantle and forms new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading, which occurs primarily along divergent plate boundaries. Therefore, the occurrence of "new sea floor" is associated with divergent plate boundaries.
2. Convergent plate boundary: At a convergent boundary, two plates come together and interact. This collision can result in the formation of landforms such as mountains and ocean trenches.
- Ocean trench: An ocean trench is a deep underwater canyon that forms when one tectonic plate is subducted (forced beneath) another plate at a convergent boundary. Examples include the Mariana Trench and the Peru-Chile Trench. Thus, the presence of an "ocean trench" is associated with a convergent plate boundary.
- Earthquake: Earthquakes can occur at various plate boundaries, but they commonly occur at convergent boundaries. When two plates collide or slide past each other, they can generate seismic activity, leading to earthquakes. Therefore, the occurrence of an "earthquake" is commonly associated with convergent plate boundaries.
3. Transform plate boundary: At a transform boundary, two plates slide horizontally past each other. This type of boundary does not typically create significant landforms but can generate earthquakes.
- Earthquake: Transform boundaries are known for their ability to produce earthquakes. As the plates grind against each other, they can get stuck, and when they eventually slip, it releases built-up energy, causing an earthquake. Therefore, the occurrence of an "earthquake" is associated with transform plate boundaries.
To summarize the matches between landforms/events and plate boundaries:
- Rift valley: Divergent plate boundary
- New sea floor: Divergent plate boundary
- Ocean trench: Convergent plate boundary
- Earthquake: Convergent plate boundary and Transform plate boundary