The border between two tectonic plates is called a boundary.
Tectonic plate boundaries are where the Earth's lithosphere is broken into distinct plates that interact with each other. These interactions are responsible for many geological phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building. There are three primary types of plate boundaries:
- Convergent Boundaries: These occur where two plates collide. The outcome of this collision depends on the types of plates involved (oceanic or continental). This collision can result in subduction (one plate sliding beneath another), mountain formation, or the creation of volcanic arcs.
- Divergent Boundaries: These occur where two plates move apart. Magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap, creating new crust. This process is responsible for mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.
- Transform Boundaries: These occur where two plates slide past each other horizontally. These boundaries are often marked by faults, and the movement along them can cause earthquakes.
Understanding plate boundaries is crucial for comprehending the Earth's dynamic processes and their impact on the planet's surface.
