What happens when jagged edges of rock plates grind past each other?

5 answers

When jagged edges of rock plates grind past each other, it results in a geological phenomenon known as faulting or tectonic plate movement. The movement occurs due to the immense pressure and stress build-up between the plates. There are three main types of plate boundaries where this grinding occurs:

1. Transform Boundaries: In transform boundaries, the plates slide horizontally past each other. Due to the jagged edges, the plates get locked along the fault lines, and when the stress becomes too high, they suddenly slip past each other. This sudden release of built-up stress causes an earthquake.

2. Convergent Boundaries: In convergent boundaries, two plates collide with each other. As they collide, the jagged edges interact and get forced upwards, creating a mountain range. This can also lead to the formation of subduction zones, where one plate is forced beneath the other.

3. Divergent Boundaries: In divergent boundaries, plates move away from each other. As they separate, magma rises from the mantle and fills in the gap created between the plates, forming new crust. This process is responsible for the creation of mid-ocean ridges where volcanic activity occurs.

Overall, the grinding of jagged edges of rock plates past each other is a significant driving force behind earthquakes, mountain formation, and the creation of new crust on Earth.
Which land features are most likely found near a convergent plate boundary?

hot springs and geysers
volcanoes and mountains
faults and ocean basins
rift valleys and ridges
The land features most likely found near a convergent plate boundary are volcanoes and mountains. When two plates collide, the jagged edges interact, forcing the crust upwards. This uplift can lead to the formation of mountain ranges. Additionally, during collision, subduction zones can also form, where one plate is forced beneath the other, resulting in volcanic activity and the formation of volcanoes. These volcanoes can be located on land or in the ocean.
Which feature is formed at convergent plate boundaries?

San-Andreas fault
mid-Atlantic ridge
Andes Mountains
East African Rift Valley
The feature formed at convergent plate boundaries is the Andes Mountains. Convergent plate boundaries occur when two plates collide, and the jagged edges of the plates interact, causing the crust to uplift. This uplift and compression of the crust result in the formation of mountain ranges, such as the Andes Mountains, which are located along the western coast of South America.