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What percentage of the world's earthquakes are on plate boundaries, which are also called?

a. 50% - Divergent boundaries
b. 75% - Convergent boundaries
c. 90% - Transform boundaries
d. 100% - Subduction boundaries

User Yaron Levi
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Final answer:

Almost all of the world's earthquakes occur on plate boundaries, with most occurring at convergent and transform boundaries due to the intense interactions between tectonic plates at these locations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The percentage of the world's earthquakes that occur on plate boundaries is a topic closely associated with the study of plate tectonics. Almost all of the world's earthquakes are linked to the movement of tectonic plates at their boundaries. Specifically, convergent plate boundaries, such as subduction zones, are where many of the world's most powerful earthquakes occur. At these boundaries, one plate moves under another into the mantle, leading to significant seismic activity. Transform plate boundaries, such as the San Andreas Fault, are characterized by plates sliding past each other and can also generate powerful earthquakes. However, the most numerous in terms of length and distribution around the globe are the divergent plate boundaries, found mainly along mid-ocean ridges where new crust is formed as tectonic plates move apart. Despite their abundance, these boundaries are not associated with the majority of the world's earthquakes.

The question at hand seems to be asking what percentage of earthquakes occur along different types of plate boundaries. The correct answer highlights that earthquakes are not evenly distributed among all types of boundaries. Instead, convergent (often called subduction boundaries) and transform boundaries are more actively associated with frequent and intense seismic activity due to the nature of plate interactions at these locations.

User Superior
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