Which is a result of boundary plates colliding or sliding past each other? (1 point)
Responses
earthquakes occur
earthquakes occur
volcanoes erupt
volcanoes erupt
mountains form
mountains form
valleys form
earthquakes occur
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The correct response is:
- earthquakes occur
- mountains form
The correct response is: earthquakes occur.
When boundary plates collide or slide past each other, it can result in tremendous amounts of stress and pressure being built up along the plate boundaries. Over time, this accumulated stress can cause the rocks to fracture and slip, leading to an earthquake. Earthquakes can range in magnitude from minor tremors to major destructive events.
To understand why earthquakes occur as a result of boundary plate interactions, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of tectonic plate theory. The Earth's crust is divided into several large plates that float and move on the semi-fluid layer below, known as the asthenosphere. These plates interact with one another in three main ways: convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.
Convergent boundaries occur when two plates move towards each other. Depending on the type of crust involved, different geological features can form. For example, when two oceanic plates converge, one plate is usually subducted beneath the other, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs. These subduction zones are notorious for generating powerful earthquakes.
Similarly, when an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is often forced beneath the continental plate. The intense pressure and friction generated during this process can result in significant earthquakes. Famous examples include the earthquakes that occur along the Pacific Ring of Fire, such as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan.
Transform boundaries occur when two plates slide past each other horizontally. These types of boundaries, such as the San Andreas Fault in California, are also known for generating earthquakes. As the plates grind against each other, they can become locked due to friction. Eventually, the stress builds up to a point where the rocks fracture and move suddenly, causing an earthquake.
To study earthquakes and their occurrence, scientists use various tools and methods such as seismometers, which detect and record seismic waves. They also analyze the distribution of earthquakes across the globe to better understand plate tectonics and the dynamics of Earth's crust.
In summary, earthquakes occur as a result of boundary plates colliding or sliding past each other, leading to the release of accumulated stress and the movement of rocks along the plate boundaries.