- Convergent:
- Motion: Plates move toward each other.
- Effect: Destructive.
- Topography (On land you see): Mountain ranges, trenches, volcanic arcs.
- Topography (In the ocean you see): Trenches, island arcs.
- Volcanic Activity? Yes.
- Earthquake Activity? Yes.
- Use your plate map to identify 2 places: Andes Mountains, Japan.
- Divergent:
- Motion: Plates move away from each other.
- Effect: Constructive.
- Topography (On land you see): Rift valleys.
- Topography (In the ocean you see): Mid-ocean ridges.
- Volcanic Activity? Yes.
- Earthquake Activity? Yes.
- Use your plate map to identify 2 places: Mid-Atlantic Ridge, East African Rift.
- Transform:
- Motion: Plates slide past each other horizontally.
- Effect: Neither constructive nor destructive (conservative).
- Topography (On land you see): Fault lines, offset streams, linear valleys.
- Topography (In the ocean you see): Fracture zones.
- Volcanic Activity? No.
- Earthquake Activity? Yes.
- Use your plate map to identify 2 places: San Andreas Fault, Alpine Fault.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of plate tectonic worksheet.
