It looks like you've uploaded an image of a
"Plate Tectonic Boundaries Sort – Answer Key" worksheet from a VA Science SOL 5.7e lesson. This is a matching or sorting activity that helps students understand the three main types of tectonic plate boundaries:
Convergent,
Divergent, and
Transform.
Let me explain the solution based on the image you provided:
---
🔹 1. Convergent Boundary
-
Definition: Two plates come together; one sliding under the other (subduction) or both rising up to cause mountains or volcanoes.
-
Key Features:
- Plates collide.
- Can form
mountains (e.g., Himalayas).
- Can create
volcanoes if one plate subducts beneath another.
- Often causes
earthquakes.
✔ Example: The collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate formed the Himalayas.
---
🔹 2. Divergent Boundary
-
Definition: Two plates move apart, usually found under the ocean and cause magma to rise up, cool, and form ridges.
-
Key Features:
- Plates move away from each other.
- Magma rises to fill the gap → forms new crust.
- Creates
mid-ocean ridges (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge).
- Often has
underwater volcanic activity.
✔ Example: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian Plates are moving apart.
---
🔹 3. Transform Boundary
-
Definition: Two plates slide past each other in opposite directions. The sudden release of energy causes earthquakes.
-
Key Features:
- Plates grind past each other horizontally.
- No creation or destruction of crust.
- Causes
frequent earthquakes.
- Example: San Andreas Fault in California.
✔ Example: The San Andreas Fault — where the Pacific Plate and North American Plate slide past each other.
---
📌 Summary Table:
| Boundary Type | Movement | Resulting Features |
|------------------|--------------------|----------------------------------------|
|
Convergent | Plates collide | Mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes |
|
Divergent | Plates move apart | Ocean ridges, new crust, volcanoes |
|
Transform | Plates slide past | Earthquakes, no new crust formed |
---
✔ How to Use This Answer Key:
This key is likely used to match descriptions with the correct boundary type. For example:
- If a card says "Plates move apart and form new ocean floor," it goes with
Divergent.
- If a card says "Plates collide and form mountains," it goes with
Convergent.
- If a card says "Plates slide past each other causing earthquakes," it goes with
Transform.
---
Let me know if you'd like help creating a student version of this worksheet or need visuals to go along with it!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of plate tectonic boundaries worksheet.