Discovering Plate Tectonics:Major Plate Boundaries

Hook

Earth Science

Plate Tectonics

• Definition:– The theory that states that pieces of Earth’s

lithosphere are in constant, slow motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle.

Subduction Zones

Subduction Zones

Continental Mountain Ranges

• Definition:– A boundary along which two plates carrying

continental crust push together forming a mountain range.

Continental Mountain Range

Divergent Plate Boundary• Definition:

– A boundary along which two tectonic plates move apart, characterized by either a mid-ocean ridge or a continental rift valley

Convergent Plate Boundaries

• Definition:– A boundary along which two tectonic plates

move towards each other. Characterized either by subduction zone or continental collision.

Convergent Boundaries

Transform Plate Boundary

• Definition:– When two plates are sliding past each other in

opposite directions OR one plates is moving faster than another plate next to it.