4.2.9

Diagnostic Misconceptions - Sliding Plates

Test yourself

Earthquakes at Different Plate Margins

Earthquakes can happen at all 3 types of plate margin: conservative, constructive and destructive.

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Conservative plate margins

  • When plates move past each other, there can be friction between them because the plates are not smooth.
  • When the pressure is enough, the plates give way. This causes the plates to move past each other and the ground to shake.
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Constructive plate margins

  • At constructive margins, pressure can build up from cracks in the plates when they move apart.
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Destructive plate margins

  • At destructive margins, the oceanic plate can get stuck as it is forced under the continental plate. This can cause tension to build.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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