Types of plate boundaries
Convergent plate boundaries
A convergent plate boundaryWhen two tectonic plates move towards each other and collide., also known as a destructive plate boundaryThis happens where crustal plates move together and one is forced beneath the other., usually involves an oceanic plate and a continental plate. The plates move towards one another and this movement can cause earthquakes.
As the plates collide, the oceanic plate is forced beneath the continental plate. This is known as subductionWhen one crustal plate is forced beneath the other. This happens because the oceanic plate is denser (heavier) than the continental plate.
When the plate sinks into the mantle it melts to form magma. The pressure of the magma builds up beneath the Earth's surface. The magma escapes through weaknesses in the rock and rises up through a composite volcano. The volcanic eruptions are often violent, with lots of steam, gas and ash.
If two continental plates collide, neither can sink and so the land buckles upwards to form fold mountains. This is called a collision boundaryThe point at which two continental plates collide (neither plate is able to sink) and the land buckles. This creates a fold mountain, eg the Himalayas.. Earthquakes can occur at collision boundaries.
Divergent plate boundaries
At a divergent plate boundaryAn area where two tectonic plates are moving away from one another., the plates move apart from one another. When this happens the magma from the mantle rises up to make (or construct) new land in the form of a shield volcano. The movement of the plates over the mantle can cause earthquakes.
Conservative plate boundaries
At a conservative plate boundaryAreas between two crustal plates that are moving past each other in opposite directions or at different speeds. , the plates move past each other or side by side, moving at different speeds. Friction occurs as plates try to move and become stuck. Pressure builds up because the plates are still trying to move. When the pressure is released, it sends out huge amounts of energy, causing an earthquake. The earthquakes at a conservative plate margin can be very destructive as they occur close to the Earth's surface. There are no volcanoes at a conservative plate boundary.