Sci Q1M2

• Divergent Boundary formation


  1. Two tectonic plates move apart from each other creating tension

  2. Molten rocks called magma rise from the Earth's mantle to the surface

  3. The Earth's surface is cool enough to solidify the magma that rose, thus creating new oceanic crust or seafloor
• Divergent Boundary


  Also known as a constructive boundary
• Divergent Boundaries


  • Mid-ocean ridge formed by the divergence between oceanic plates
  • Continental rift valley formed between continental plates
• Formation of mid-ocean ridge and rift valley


  Occurrence of an earthquake
• Divergent Boundaries


  • Boundary between South American plate and African plate
  • Boundary between Pacific Plate and Nazca Plate
  • Boundary between North American Plate and Eurasian Plate
• Convergent Boundary formation


  1. Two plates move toward each other

  2. Oceanic plate bends down into the mantle through the process called subduction

  3. Leading edge of the subducted plate melts in the mantle and magma rises forming a continental volcanic arc or island volcanic arc
• Convergent Boundary


  Also called a destructive boundary
• Convergent Boundaries


  • Boundary between the Eurasian plate and the Philippine plate
  • Boundary between Nazca Plate and South American Plate
  • Boundary between Pacific Plate and Australian Plate
• Convergent Boundary with two continental plates

  1. Tension zone formed

  2. Plates collide and buckle up causing mountain ranges
• With two continental plates converging, there is no subduction, no trench, and no volcanoes formed
• Transform Fault Boundary formation

  1. Two plates are sliding past each other

  2. Rocks that line the boundary split into pieces as the plates slip at each other

  3. A crack is then formed creating an undersea canyon or linear fault valley