Question

When can a triple junction be defined as stable?

A. When the three plates are moving away from each other
B. When the three plates are moving towards each other
C. When the three plates are sliding past each other
D. When the three plates have no relative motion

Answer 1

A triple junction is stable when the three plates are moving away from each other, as seen at divergent boundaries where new crust forms.

Step-by-step explanation:

A triple junction can be defined as stable when the three plates are moving away from each other, which is option A. This occurs at a divergent boundary where the tectonic plates are separating, allowing magma from beneath the Earth's crust to rise and create new crust as it cools and solidifies.

These divergent boundaries are also where mid-ocean ridges are commonly found, which can lead to the formation of new ocean floor. Diverging plates at a triple junction promote stability because the tensional forces are evenly distributed and tend to prevent the plates from changing their movement dynamics abruptly.