Tom is markina locations of active volcanoes on a world map explain how the locations of the volcanoes are related to Earth's plates
http://www.google.com/#q=volcanoes+Earth%27s+plates
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Volcanoes are where two plates meet and one plate is pushed under another plate. This is called a convergent and aconvergent is where volcanoes are located.
The locations of volcanoes are closely related to the movement of Earth's tectonic plates. Earth's surface is made up of several large plates that are constantly moving, albeit at a very slow rate. These plates interact with one another in various ways, including colliding, pulling apart, or sliding past each other. These interactions result in different types of plate boundaries.
There are three main types of plate boundaries: convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries. The movement and interactions between these boundaries are responsible for the formation of volcanoes. Let's take a closer look at each type:
1. Convergent Boundaries: When two plates collide, one of three scenarios can occur:
- Oceanic-Oceanic Convergence: In this case, when two oceanic plates collide, one is usually forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. As the subducting plate sinks into the Earth's mantle, it begins to melt due to increased temperature and pressure. This molten material, known as magma, rises towards the surface, forming a volcanic arc of volcanoes. The Pacific Ring of Fire is a prime example of this type of convergent boundary.
- Oceanic-Continental Convergence: When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the continental plate. This subduction leads to the formation of a volcanic mountain range near the coastline, as the subducted plate melts beneath the surface. The Andes Mountains in South America are a result of this type of convergent plate boundary.
- Continental-Continental Convergence: When two continental plates collide, they often buckle and crumple, forming mountain ranges without volcanic activity. However, as the continents continue to collide, the tremendous forces can cause the crust to stretch, thin, and form rift valleys. This stretching can lead to the ascent of magma towards the surface and the formation of volcanic activity. The East African Rift Valley is an example of this.
2. Divergent Boundaries: When two plates move away from each other, molten material rises from the mantle to fill the gap, creating new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading. As the magma reaches the surface, it cools and solidifies to form new oceanic crust. Volcanic activity is common in these areas, resulting in the formation of underwater volcanoes and volcanic islands. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a notable example of a divergent boundary.
3. Transform Boundaries: At transform boundaries, plates slide horizontally past each other. These boundaries do not usually result in volcanic activity as the plates primarily experience shearing and grinding. However, in some cases, the movement can cause localized fractures and the release of magma, leading to the formation of small volcanic features.
In summary, the locations of active volcanoes on a world map correspond to the boundaries between Earth's tectonic plates. By understanding the types of plate boundaries and their interactions, we can identify the areas where volcanic activity is most likely to occur.