Question

Write a detailed account on plate tectonics

Answer 1

Instructions: It is a conceptual question. We need to first explain the term plate tectonics and explain the different plate interactions.

Answer:

Plate tectonics- The phenomenon of movement of tectonic plates due to the thermal energy from the mantle produces mountain ranges, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

There are three types of plate interactions

• Convergent plate boundary: Plates move towards each other Zone of subduction Formation of oceanic trenches, volcanoes & fold mountains (Eg: Himalayas)
• Divergent boundary Pulls away from each other as magma pushes up from the mantle. Leads to the formation of faults and mid oceanic ridges.
• Conservative boundary Slides horizontally past each other. Also known as transform boundary. Formation of transform faults (Eg: San Andreas Fault)