I know that Divergent margins, also known as rifting or spreading centers, happen when two plates move away from one another. Convergent margins happen when two plates move towards on another. The last transform faults happen when plates move past each other grinding against one another. However I do not understand; Why earthquakes are common along these plate margins and boundaries? Could anyone help explain to me? Thanks!

This site has an excellent explanation along with diagrams.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/plate_tectonics/rift_man.php

Thank you! =0)

You're welcome.

There are three general types of plate boundaries: divergent,

convergent, and transform. Each general type has multiple
‘species’: divergent boundaries can be spreading ocean ridges or
continental rift zones;

Divergent boundaries occur along spreading centers where plates are moving apart and new crust is created by magma pushing up from the mantle

Sure! I'd be happy to explain why earthquakes are common along plate margins and boundaries.

Earthquakes occur at plate margins and boundaries because this is where the movement and interaction of tectonic plates cause a lot of stress in the Earth's crust. There are three main types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform.

At divergent plate boundaries, where two plates move away from each other, the Earth's crust is being pulled apart. As the plates separate, molten rock called magma rises to fill the gap. This process creates new crust, but it also builds up a lot of tension. Eventually, the stress becomes so great that it overcomes the strength of the rocks, causing them to break and slip. This sudden release of energy is what we feel as an earthquake.

Convergent plate boundaries, on the other hand, occur when two plates collide or come together. Here, one plate is usually forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. As the subducting plate sinks into the mantle, it can get stuck and accumulate stress. Eventually, when the stress becomes too great, the rocks on the interface between the two plates break and slip, resulting in an earthquake.

Transform plate boundaries are where two plates slide past each other horizontally. As the plates grind against each other, they can get locked and build up stress. When the stress overcomes the friction holding the plates together, they suddenly slip, causing an earthquake.

So, earthquakes are common along plate margins and boundaries because these are the areas where the Earth's crust is experiencing the most movement, stress, and accumulation of energy. When this energy gets released through the breaking and slipping of rocks, it causes seismic waves that we perceive as earthquakes.