Which plate boundary could lead to volcanic activity?

Study for the Aquatic Science Plate Tectonics Test. Explore comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by insights and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Volcanic activity is primarily associated with divergent and convergent plate boundaries. At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other, resulting in the formation of new crust as magma rises up from the mantle to fill the gap. This process can lead to volcanic activity, particularly in mid-ocean ridges where seafloor spreading occurs.

Convergent boundaries occur where tectonic plates collide. In this scenario, one plate is often forced below another in a process called subduction. The subducted plate melts in the mantle, creating magma that can lead to volcanic eruptions. This is especially common in regions known as subduction zones, which are often found at the edges of oceanic and continental plates.

In contrast, transform boundaries, where plates slide past each other horizontally, are not typically associated with volcanic activity. The primary geological events at these boundaries are earthquakes, rather than volcanism.

Therefore, the combination of divergent and convergent boundaries as locations for volcanic activity supports the selection of that answer, making it the correct choice.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy