Geography - Types of Plate Boundary

• plates move towards each other
• one is forced beneath the other
• subduction zone is formed
• ocean floor pulled downwards
• plate on top is buckled
• mountain ranges form on top plate
• bottom plate begins to melt
• magma is formed
• magma reaches the surface through cracks in crust
• eruptions occur and volcanoes are formed
• pressure builds as plates grind together
• sudden release of pressure results in earthquake
• shockwaves at the surface.

• plates move away from each other
• new crust is formed when magma rises between plates
• frequent eruptions cause ridge above ocean floor
• sea floor spreads
• continental drift

• plates slide sideways past each other
• no crust formed
• no crust destroyed
• few volcanic eruptions occur here
• however, earthquakes are frequent & strong
• plates may lock together
• pressure builds
• when they snap lose, earthquake occurs

Destructive plate boundaries: destroy crust

Constructive plate boundaries: form new crust

Conservative plate boundaries: no crust destroyed or formed