A student is developing a model of two tectonic plate boundaries.

The model is incomplete. Which set of information identifies the labels the student should use to complete
the model and describes a process shown in the model?

Label X: divergent plate boundary
Label Y: convergent plate boundary
Description: New crust is being formed at location X.

Label X: convergent plate boundary
Label Y: divergent plate boundary
Description: New crust is being formed at location Y.

Label X: divergent plate boundary
Label Y: convergent plate boundary
Description: Crust is being recycled by Earth’s mantle at location X.

Label X: convergent plate boundary
Label Y: divergent plate boundary
Description: Crust is being recycled by Earth’s mantle at location Y.

1 answer

To correctly identify and label the tectonic plate boundaries in the model, the following options can be evaluated based on the characteristics of each boundary type:

  1. Divergent Plate Boundary: This boundary occurs where two tectonic plates are moving apart from each other, leading to the formation of new crust. This typically occurs at mid-ocean ridges where magma rises to create new oceanic crust.

  2. Convergent Plate Boundary: This boundary occurs where two tectonic plates are moving toward each other, leading to one plate being forced beneath the other (subduction). This process can result in the recycling of crust back into the Earth’s mantle.

Now, let’s analyze the provided options:

  1. Label X: divergent plate boundary
    Label Y: convergent plate boundary
    Description: New crust is being formed at location X.

    • This is correct since new crust is formed at divergent boundaries.
  2. Label X: convergent plate boundary
    Label Y: divergent plate boundary
    Description: New crust is being formed at location Y.

    • This is incorrect. New crust is not formed at convergent boundaries.
  3. Label X: divergent plate boundary
    Label Y: convergent plate boundary
    Description: Crust is being recycled by Earth’s mantle at location X.

    • This is incorrect. Crust is not recycled at divergent boundaries.
  4. Label X: convergent plate boundary
    Label Y: divergent plate boundary
    Description: Crust is being recycled by Earth’s mantle at location Y.

    • This is correct, as crust is recycled at convergent boundaries.

Based on the analysis, the most suitable set of information to complete the model is as follows:

  • Label X: divergent plate boundary
  • Label Y: convergent plate boundary
  • Description: New crust is being formed at location X.

This accurately reflects the processes occurring at each type of tectonic plate boundary.

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