Which of the following geological features is often associated with tectonic plate boundaries?

Which of the following geological features is often associated with tectonic plate boundaries?

• A. Mountain ranges
• B. Deserts
• C. Volcanoes
• D. Both mountain ranges and volcanoes

Answer: (D)

The occurrence of mountain ranges and volcanoes at tectonic plate boundaries stems from the interactions of the Earth's lithospheric plates. When tectonic plates collide, pull apart, or slide past one another, various geological phenomena can arise. Mountain ranges are typically formed at convergent boundaries, where two continental plates collide, causing the land to buckle and rise. This process can lead to the formation of prominent mountain chains, such as the Himalayas, which were formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Volcanoes, on the other hand, are primarily associated with divergent boundaries and convergent boundaries where subduction occurs. At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise from below to create new crust. This can result in volcanic activity, such as that seen along mid-ocean ridges. At convergent boundaries, when an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate, it leads to melting of the subducted plate and the upward movement of magma, forming volcanoes like those found in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Both mountain ranges and volcanoes are thus fundamental features of tectonic activity, making the choice that highlights both of these geological structures correct in the context of their association with plate boundaries

The occurrence of mountain ranges and volcanoes at tectonic plate boundaries stems from the interactions of the Earth's lithospheric plates. When tectonic plates collide, pull apart, or slide past one another, various geological phenomena can arise.

Mountain ranges are typically formed at convergent boundaries, where two continental plates collide, causing the land to buckle and rise. This process can lead to the formation of prominent mountain chains, such as the Himalayas, which were formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Volcanoes, on the other hand, are primarily associated with divergent boundaries and convergent boundaries where subduction occurs. At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise from below to create new crust. This can result in volcanic activity, such as that seen along mid-ocean ridges. At convergent boundaries, when an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate, it leads to melting of the subducted plate and the upward movement of magma, forming volcanoes like those found in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Both mountain ranges and volcanoes are thus fundamental features of tectonic activity, making the choice that highlights both of these geological structures correct in the context of their association with plate boundaries