Final answer:
The question pertains to the identification of different types of plate boundaries and understanding their characteristics and movements by analyzing diagrams or profiles. Divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries have unique features and activities that can be visualized using maps and profiles. Indicators of these boundaries include the presence of mid-ocean ridges, volcanoes, and earthquake patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question focuses on identifying and understanding the different types of plate boundaries represented in provided diagrams. From left to right, plate boundaries can be categorized primarily into three types: divergent, convergent, and transform. A divergent boundary is where plates are moving apart, often associated with mid-ocean ridges and new crust formation. A convergent boundary occurs where plates are colliding; one plate typically subducts beneath the other, which can create mountain ranges or volcanic activity. Lastly, transform boundaries occur where plates slide past each other horizontally, leading to earthquakes but not typically volcanic activity.
Using the provided diagram and instructions:
- Identify features like oceanic and continental crust, mid-ocean ridges, volcanoes, mountain belts, and trenches.
- Draw the location of the boundary between the two tectonic plates as indicated on the topographic profiles or maps.
- Label the direction of plate movement with arrows.
- Analyze earthquake and volcanic patterns to infer plate boundaries and their types.
- Mark divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries using different colors as suggested in the exercise instructions.
Specific to the West coast of North America, plate boundaries include the transform boundary of the San Andreas Fault, as well as a convergent boundary off the coast where the Juan de Fuca plate is subducting beneath the North American plate. The Cascade Range was formed through the process of subduction leading to volcanic activity. Ultimately, the ongoing subduction of the Juan de Fuca plate means that it will eventually be completely subsumed beneath the North American plate.