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How do tectonic plate movements shape the Earth's surface and lead to the formation of earthquakes and volcanoes?
Tectonic plates play a key role in shaping the Earth's surface, with various geological features such as - mountains, trenches, plateaus, etc. Classification of plate boundaries: 1. Constructive Plate Boundaries - Here two plates move away from each other, leading to the rise of magma from the mantlRead more
Tectonic plates play a key role in shaping the Earth’s surface, with various geological features such as – mountains, trenches, plateaus, etc.
Classification of plate boundaries:
1. Constructive Plate Boundaries – Here two plates move away from each other, leading to the rise of magma from the mantle and solidifying to form new crust like- mid-oceanic ridges, rift valleys, etc. E.g. – mid-Atlantic ridge.
The upwelling of magma when the plates move apart leads to volcanism. Very low intensity earthquake occurs here when plates move apart.
2. Destructive Plate Boundaries– Here two plates move towards each other, leading to a collision when the denser plate is subducted below the lighter one. E.g.- the Himalayas formation.
Due to immense pressure and friction strong earthquakes are associated with destructive plates. Volcanism also can occur when the subducted plates melt to form magma and rise up.
3. Conservative plates Boundaries- In this case, the plates move past each other horizontally neither creating nor destroying. E.g.- the San Andreas fault in California.
The energy released by the sliding motions of plates can cause the ground to shake leading to massive earthquakes. As there is no subduction or release of magma no volcanic activity takes place here.
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