Download Notes: Plate Boundaries Name: Plate Tectonics

6.2 Plate Tectonics and Boundary Types Notes: Plate Boundaries
Name: _______________
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
Part 3: Re-read the
highlighted information
in your notes.
Construct quiz
questions using this
information. Write the
questions next to the
paragraph where the
answers can be found. Plate Tectonics Basics
Ø The Earth’s crust is broken into different size pieces called TECTONIC
PLATES.
Ø The locations of the plates were discovered by the locations of
EARTHQUAKES and VOLCANOES
Ø The plates are moving because of MANTLE CONVECTION.
1. Convergent Plate Boundaries
Ø Plates move TOWARD each other
Ø Plates can crash into each other and create
MOUNTAINS
Ø Plates can also sink into the Mantle. This is
called SUBDUCTION
Ø Subduction leads to the plate MELTING, which
creates volcanoes.
Ø A subducting plate often creates a TRENCH on the ocean floor.
2. Divergent Plate Boundaries
Ø Plates move AWAY FROM each other
Ø Divergent boundaries create RIDGE SYSTEMS in
the middle of the ocean.
Ø The MID ATLANTIC RIDGE is the major example.
3. Transform Plate Boundaries
Ø Plates SLIDE PAST each other.
Ø Transform plate boundaries create STRONG
EARTHQUAKES
Ø The SAN ANDREAS FAULT in California is the
major example.