Question

How might two tectonic plates interact with each other?

1) They can collide with each other.
2) They can slide past each other.
3) One plate can move through the other plate.
4) One plate may slide under the other plate.

Answer 1

Tectonic plates can interact in several ways: They can pull apart, subduct one under another, slide past each other, or jam together, which causes various geological phenomena.

Step-by-step explanation:

Tectonic plates are massive segments of Earth's lithosphere that constantly move at a rate of millimeters to centimeters per year. These plates interact with one another at their boundaries in a number of ways:

1. They can pull apart, which is typical at divergent boundaries where the plates move away from each other.
2. Subduction occurs when one plate burrows under another, often found at convergent boundaries where plates move toward each other.
3. Plates can slide past each other in a horizontal motion, known as transform boundaries.
4. Finally, plates can also collide or jam together, which typically forms mountain ranges and is another example of activity at convergent boundaries.

These interactions can lead to geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.