Which is a result of boundary plates colliding or sliding past each other? (1 point)
Responses
valleys form
valleys form
volcanoes erupt
volcanoes erupt
mountains form
mountains form
earthquakes occur
earthquakes occur
Which is a result of boundary plates colliding or sliding past each other? (1 point)
Responses
valleys form
valleys form
volcanoes erupt
volcanoes erupt
mountains form
mountains form
earthquakes occur
earthquakes occur
The correct answer is earthquakes occur.
earthquakes occur
The correct answer is "earthquakes occur."
Explanation:
When boundary plates collide or slide past each other, it results in the formation of earthquakes. The Earth's outer shell, known as the lithosphere, is divided into several large plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid layer beneath them, called the asthenosphere. The boundaries where these plates meet are called plate boundaries.
There are three main types of plate boundaries:
1. Convergent Boundaries: Here, two plates collide with each other. Depending on the type of convergent boundary, different geological features can form such as mountains, trenches, or volcanic arcs. These collisions can create enormous amounts of pressure and stress on the rocks, leading to earthquakes.
2. Transform Boundaries: At transform boundaries, two plates slide past each other horizontally. As the plates try to move, they can become locked due to friction. Over time, the pressure builds up, and when the locked plates finally slip, the release of energy causes earthquakes.
3. Divergent Boundaries: At divergent boundaries, two plates move away from each other. As the plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new crust. The movement of the plates and the upwelling of magma can also cause earthquakes.
During these plate interactions, the rocks and the ground can experience immense pressure, resulting in energy build-up. When this stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, it causes the rocks to break and release energy in the form of seismic waves, leading to earthquakes.
Therefore, earthquakes are a common result of boundary plates colliding or sliding past each other.