Types of Plate Margins

CONVERGENT Subduction Zone – Oceanic - Oceanic

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Description

 When Two Oceanic plates meet the heavier usually older Oceanic plate is forced below
the lighter, usually younger Oceanic plate.
 The subducted plate is place under great stress due to heat and pressure causing two
effects.
 The SUBDUCTED LIMB is then broken down, melted and absorbed into the Mantle.
 The Subducted limb develops Stress points along the length of the limb. When the
stress energy is given off it causes earthquakes.

Features
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Examples:
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 Types of Plate Margins

CONVERGENT Subduction Zone – Oceanic - Continental

Description

 The heavier oceanic plate is subducted below the lighter continental plate.
 A subduction zone is formed as the limb of the heavier oceanic plate sinks.
 The subducted plate is place under great stress due to heat and pressure causing two
effects.The crust is then broken down, melted and absorbed into the Mantle.
 The Subducted limb develops Stress points along the length of the limb. When the stress
energy is given off it causes earthquakes.
 The continental plate is also placed under great stress. It crumples and folds resulting in
the formation of mountain ranges on the surface of the continental plate.
 There may be volcanic activity resulting in volcanic mountain peaks

Features
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Examples:
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 Types of Plate Margins
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CONVERGENT Collision Zone – Continental - Continental

Description

 When two continental plates meet a Collision Zone is formed. Both plates are too light
to form one other under the other plate.
 Both Plates are placed under great stress due to the force of the collision.
 Both plates begin to crumple and fold, pushing upwards. This creates a mountain
range. As the plate continues to move the Mountain continue to grow.
 Stress points along the length of the collision zone. When the stress energy is given off
it causes earthquakes.

Features
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Examples:
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 Types of Plate Margins
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TRANSFORM Plate Margin

Description

 When Two plates are moving next to each other, a Transform margin is created. It is
also called a Strike or Slip Margin.
 The plates are NOT moving away from each other. The plates are NOT moving towards
from each other. The plates are moving sideways, sliding past or are perpendicular to
each other.
 As the plates move, friction is created, and stress points develop. Along the length of
the margin. When the stress energy is released, it causes earthquakes.  

Features (What isn't present can also be a feature of the margin.)

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Examples:
 Types of Plate Margins
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DIVERGENT Plate Margin

Description

 When two plates move apart a DIVERGENT margin is created

 A fissure is created and Magma wells in the gap. As the magma comes to the surface. It
become lava. The process creates a RIDGE.
 The new magma cools to create NEW CRUST.  This means the crust closest to the
fissure is newer than parts far away.
 The plates are dragged away, stress points develop along the edge of the margin. When
the stress energy is given off it causes earthquakes.  

Features
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2.

Examples:
 Types of Plate Margins
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