Consider the statements regarding different types of plates in Plate T...
The correct option is C.
Subduction zones exist at convergent plate boundaries where one plate of oceanic lithosphere converges with another plate. The descending slab, the subducting plate, is overridden by the leading edge of the other plate. The slab sinks at an angle of approximately twenty-five to forty-five degrees to Earth's surface.
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Consider the statements regarding different types of plates in Plate T...
Plate Tectonic Theory
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of seven large plates and the movements of a larger number of smaller plates of Earth's lithosphere, since tectonic processes began on Earth between 3.3 and 3.5 billion years ago.
Types of Plates
There are three types of plate boundaries:
1. Destructive Plate Boundary:
- A destructive plate boundary is where oceanic and continental plates collide.
- The denser oceanic plate is forced under the lighter continental plate, sinking into the mantle.
- This is called subduction.
- As the oceanic plate sinks, friction causes it to melt and form magma.
- This magma rises up through the crust and may erupt from volcanoes on the Earth’s surface.
- This process can lead to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.
- Example: The Pacific Ring of Fire.
2. Divergent Plate Boundary:
- A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other.
- This movement can cause earthquakes and can create rift valleys, mid-ocean ridges, and new crust.
- At a mid-ocean ridge, new oceanic crust is formed as magma rises up and solidifies.
- Example: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
3. Convergent Plate Boundary:
- A convergent boundary is where two plates are moving towards each other.
- When two continental plates collide, the crust crumples and thickens, creating high mountains.
- When an oceanic plate and a continental plate collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced under the lighter continental plate, sinking into the mantle.
- This process is called subduction.
- As the oceanic plate sinks, friction causes it to melt and form magma.
- This magma rises up through the crust and may erupt from volcanoes on the Earth’s surface.
- This process can lead to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.
- Example: The Andes Mountains.
Answer:
- Option C: 3 only is the correct answer as the statement regarding convergent plate boundary is correct.
- Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect as they do not describe the features of destructive and divergent plate boundaries accurately.
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