Question

In what direction is the north america plate moving relative to the pacific plate?

Answer 1

The North American plate is moving southwest relative to the northward-moving Pacific plate, with the interaction along the San Andreas Fault causing significant shifts in California's geography.

Step-by-step explanation:

The North American plate is moving in a southwesterly direction relative to the Pacific plate, which is moving northward. These plates interact along the San Andreas Fault, a transform boundary. At this boundary, the Pacific plate carries the coastal cities of Los Angeles and San Diego to the north. Over time, the movement has led to significant shifts in the landmass, evidenced by the displacement of landmarks and the formation of the southern Californian landscape. The relative motion of the North American plate over hotspots can be measured by analyzing the series of hotspot eruptions related to their age; this motion is key to understanding the geological future of areas such as the Cascade Range.

Answer 2

The Pacific Plate is being moved north west due to sea floor spreading from the East Pacific Rise (divergent margin) in the Gulf of California. The North American Plate is being pushed west and north west due to sea floor spreading from the Mid Atlantic Ridge (divergent margin)

so in other words Pacific Plate moves north-westwards past the North American Plate.