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Plate Tectonics
Quick questions on Plate movement and boundaries explained: N(A)-Level Geography plate tectonics
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is divergent boundaries (plates move apart)?Show answer
At a divergent boundary, two plates move away from each other. The gap is filled by magma rising from the mantle, which cools to form new crust. This often happens under the ocean, building a long underwater mountain chain called a mid-ocean ridge. The hazards are mostly gentle volcanic eruptions and small earthquakes.
What is convergent boundaries (plates move together)?Show answer
At a convergent boundary, two plates push toward each other, and what happens depends on the crusts involved:
What is transform boundaries (plates slide past)?Show answer
At a transform boundary, two plates slide past each other in opposite directions or at different speeds. Their rough edges lock together, pressure builds, and when they suddenly jerk free the stored energy is released as an earthquake. There is no subduction and usually no volcano, but earthquakes can be severe. An example is the San Andreas Fault.
What is q1?Show answer
Name the type of boundary where two plates move apart. [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why the oceanic plate sinks at an oceanic-continental convergent boundary. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
State one landform or hazard found at a convergent boundary and one found at a divergent boundary. [2 marks]
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