The two correct items from the word bank are A: Transform Plate Boundary and D: Subduction Zone. The combination of subduction zones and transform plate boundaries along the west coast, represented by options D and A, contributes to the heightened earthquake risk in California and Alaska.
The earthquake risk is particularly high on the west coast, specifically in regions such as California and Alaska, due to the convergence of tectonic plates. Both California and Alaska are situated along subduction zones (Option D), where an oceanic plate is being forced beneath a continental plate.
In California, the Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, while in Alaska, the Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate along the Aleutian Trench. This subduction process generates intense seismic activity, resulting in frequent and sometimes powerful earthquakes.
Additionally, the west coast is marked by the presence of transform plate boundaries (Option A), such as the San Andreas Fault in California. Here, the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate slide past each other horizontally, causing significant strain to build up. When this strain is released, it leads to earthquakes.
Therefore the correct options are A and D that is Transform Plate Boundary and Subduction Zone.
The question probable may be:
Select the 2 correct items from this word bank to write your sentence explaining why the earthquake risk so high on the west coast by California and Alaska?
Word Bank:
A. Transform Plate Boundary.
B. Convergent Plate Boundary.
C. Divergent Plate Boundary.
D. Subduction Zone.