Tectonic plate boundaries can change landforms primarily through the interaction of plates that move against each other. Here’s a breakdown of how this process occurs:
-
Divergent Boundaries: At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other. This can lead to the formation of new ocean floor, creating mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys. As magma rises from below the Earth's crust to fill the gap, it solidifies and forms new crust.
-
Convergent Boundaries: At convergent boundaries, plates move toward each other and can cause one plate to be forced beneath another in a process known as subduction. This can lead to the formation of mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic activity. For instance, the Himalayas were formed from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
-
Transform Boundaries: At transform boundaries, plates slide past each other horizontally. The friction from this movement can cause earthquakes and can also alter the landscape over time as faults shift position.
In summary, the correct way tectonic plate boundaries can cause landforms to change is by causing plates to move against each other.