AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Plate Tectonics
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
Convergent Boundary
A plate boundary where plates move toward each other, resulting in the creation of mountains, island arcs, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
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Convergent Boundary
A plate boundary where plates move toward each other, resulting in the creation of mountains, island arcs, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Compare the geological events at the three types of plate boundaries.
Convergent boundaries create mountains and volcanoes; divergent boundaries create rifts and seafloor spreading; and transform boundaries primarily result in earthquakes.
What is the primary geological event associated with transform boundaries?
The primary geological event that occurs at transform boundaries is an earthquake.
Divergent Boundary
A plate boundary where plates move away from each other, resulting in seafloor spreading, rift valleys, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
If a map shows the formation of an island arc, what type of plate boundary is most likely present?
The presence of an island arc indicates that a convergent plate boundary is most likely present.
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake occurs when stress overcomes a locked fault, releasing stored energy.
What is the relationship between a locked fault and the release of energy?
When the stress built up along a locked fault is overcome, it releases stored energy in the form of an earthquake.
Which two types of plate boundaries are associated with volcanoes?
Both convergent and divergent plate boundaries can result in the formation of volcanoes.
What are four geological outcomes of convergent plate boundaries?
Convergent boundaries can result in the creation of mountains, island arcs, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
A seismologist is studying a fault known for frequent earthquakes but no volcanic activity. What type of boundary is this fault likely on?
This is likely a transform boundary, which can result in earthquakes but not volcanoes.
A geological survey finds evidence of a rift valley. What type of plate boundary does this suggest?
A rift valley is a feature of a divergent plate boundary.
What are four geological outcomes of divergent plate boundaries?
Divergent boundaries can result in seafloor spreading, rift valleys, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
Transform Boundary
A plate boundary where plates slide past one another, which can result in earthquakes.
How can a map showing the global distribution of plate boundaries be used?
Such a map can be used to determine the location of volcanoes, island arcs, earthquakes, hot spots, and faults.