The word tectonic refers to motion. Where plates are moving against
each other, quite interesting things occur:
Mid-Ocean Ridges. Spreading centers where the mantle is up-welling. This is where new crust is created. (Middle of Atlantic Ocean) |
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Subduction Zones. Where crust is being lost, usually oceanic crust sliding below continental. Occurs a little at a time, with sudden motions and earthquakes. Usually aligned with mountains (Nazca Plate into the S.A. plate, creating the Andes Mtn) |
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Transform Faults. Where two plates are sliding against each other, though no crustal material is lost. Again, lots of earthquakes but no mountain ranges (San Andreas Fault) |
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