- Convergent:
- Motion: One plate moves toward another (often one subducts under the other)
- Effect: Destructive
- Topography (On land): Mountain ranges, volcanic arcs, trenches
- Topography (In the ocean): Trenches, island arcs
- Volcanic Activity: Yes
- Earthquake Activity: Yes
- Example Locations: Andes Mountains, Japan
- Divergent:
- Motion: Plates move away from each other
- Effect: Constructive
- Topography (On land): Rift valleys
- Topography (In the ocean): Mid-ocean ridges
- Volcanic Activity: Yes
- Earthquake Activity: Yes
- Example Locations: Mid-Atlantic Ridge, East African Rift
- Transform:
- Motion: Plates slide past each other horizontally
- Effect: Neither constructive nor destructive (conservative)
- Topography (On land): Linear fault zones, offset streams
- Topography (In the ocean): Fracture zones
- Volcanic Activity: No
- Earthquake Activity: Yes
- Example Locations: San Andreas Fault, Alpine Fault
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of plate tectonic boundaries worksheet.
