Question

Describe the differences between the eastern and western margins of North America in terms of earthquakes and volcanic activity and explain why this behavior is consistent with the plate tectonic environments of both areas. Include an explanation of the plate environment(s) in both cases.

Answer 1

Hi

A simple explanation could be that on the western margin of North America there is a complex plate boundary that extends between the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and the American continent. This is more or less parallel to the coast, but not exactly. Parts of this tectonic plate are grounded and the other part is offshore. It can be mentioned that the best known fault caused by the location of this plate is the so-called San Andreas fault, which is located in California. From the Sea of Cortez, in Mexico, to Baja, California, west of Canada and inland through southern Alaska, the other boundary of this plate is located. Because of this, earthquakes are experienced in this area.

While the eastern fringe of North America is far from any boundary of the tectonic plate. The plate boundary that is closest to eastern North America is located in the Atlantic Ocean. In this area, earthquakes are virtually unknown, although there are some exceptions, for example, the Maine earthquake, an earthquake in Quebec on October 10, 2012 and the Virginia earthquake in 2011. Some of these earthquakes have been large and have caused a lot of damage.

Step-by-step explanation: