PLATE BOUNDARIES
2014-15
Background Information:
Plates that carry continents are called continental plates, while plates that do not carry continents are called ocean plates. The place
where two plates meet is called a plate boundary. Plate boundaries are described by the motions of the two plates (convergent,
divergent, and transform). Convergent plate boundaries are where the plates are coming together and destroy material via
subduction zones. Additionally, volcanoes are produced parallel to the subduction zone. Divergent plate boundaries are where the
plates are splitting apart and create new material via volcanoes. Transform plate boundaries are where the plates are
sliding past each other horizontally. All three interactions create earthquakes.
In this activity, you will study the plates and the boundaries of the plates that form Earth’s surface.
Objectives:
To recognize the boundaries of Earth’s plates, their direction of motion and if material is destroyed or created.
Analysis: Use the maps on page 712-13 and 708-09.
1. Do most of the larger plates contain just oceans, just continents, or do they contain both oceans and continents ? _________
2. Do we live near a plate boundary ? ___________
3. Describe, specifically, 2 places that there are converging plate boundaries.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Describe, specifically, 2 places that there are diverging plate boundaries.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. The continent of South America is moving in a westerly direction. In what direction is the ocean plate directly west of South
America moving (this interaction is creating the Andes)? ________________________
What is the name of this ocean plate ? ________________________________
What type of plate boundary is this ? ______________________________
6. What type of plate boundary is found along the Aleutian Islands of Alaska ? ____________________________
Is crustal material created or destroyed here ? ___________________________
7. What type of plate boundary extends through most of California ? ____________________________
Describe the motion of the two plates involved. _______________________________________________________________
8. Which types of plate boundaries are at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ? ____________________________________
Is crustal material created or destroyed along this type of boundary ? ______________________________
9. What type of crustal boundary occurs between India and the rest of the Asian continent ? ________________________________
10. What type of crustal boundary occurs that causes the Coast Ranges and Cascade Range of the USA ? ______________________
Name the two plates involved. __________________________________________________________________________________
11. What type of crustal boundary occurs that causes the Ethiopian Highlands ? ___________________________________
12. What type of crustal boundary occurs that causes Indonesia ? ________________________________________
13. Explain why plate tectonics is a type of recycling.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________