Plate Tectonics Chapter 9

Section 9.2 Plate Tectonics

Key Questions - Objectives What is the lithosphere? What are the 7 major plates? What are the 3 types of plate boundaries?

The Lithosphere The lithosphere is the top portion of the mantle and the overlaying crust which behaves as a strong and rigid layer floating on top of the molten rock below. Rigid Crust Mantle

The Plates

Types of Plate Boundaries Wherever two plates come together, they will form one of the three types of plate boundaries. Divergent Boundaries Convergent Boundaries Transform Boundaries

Types of Plate Boundaries Divergent Boundaries Whenever two plates move away from one another.

Types of Plate Boundaries Convergent Boundaries Whenever two plates move directly towards one another.

Types of Plate Boundaries Transform Boundaries Whenever two plates move by one another but not towards or away.

Section 9.3 Actions At Plate Boundaries

NO.

Divergent Boundaries Oceanic Ridges

Divergent Boundaries Oceanic Ridges Sea floor spreading at divergent boundaries is the primary cause for the movement of the continents.

Divergent Boundaries Continental Rift

Divergent Boundaries Continental Rift Continental Rifts are the origins of oceans like the Atlantic.

Convergent Boundaries Oceanic Continental

Mt. St. Helens Creates Volcanic Arcs Creates Oceanic Trenches

Convergent Boundaries

Oceanic Creates Volcanic Island Arcs

Convergent Boundaries Continental

Creates very tall mountain ranges.

Transform Boundaries Creates Earthquake Faults

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