9.2 Types of Plate Boundaries Textbook pp. 254-255

Divergent Boundaries Divergent boundaries occur when two plates move apart. They are usually found at ocean floors, but not only there. This process creates new seafloor, so they are known as Constructive Plate Margins. The mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of a divergent boundary in the ocean.

The East Africa Rift Valley is an example of a divergent boundary found on a continental plate.

Diagram of a Divergent Boundary

Convergent Boundaries Convergent boundaries occur when two plates move together. They are found at both oceanic plate and continental plate boundaries. Old plate material is forced back into the mantle, where it melts. Therefore, these boundaries are known as Destructive Plate Mountains. This process creates Volcanic and Folded Mountain Ranges.

This is the Andes Mountain Range.

Diagram of a Convergent Boundary This illustration is for an oceanic-continental divergent boundary.

Transform Fault Boundaries Transform Fault Boundaries occur where two plates grind past each other. There is neither production nor destruction of lithosphere. The San Andreas Fault is an example of a Transform Fault Boundary.

This is a photograph of the actual San Andreas Fault in California.

Diagram of a Transform Fault Boundary