First, I would like to explain

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Forsyth Technical Community College *

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114

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Geology

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by LieutenantLyrebird1934

First, I would like to explain that there are three types of plate boundaries; they all differ in significant ways; let me first clarify that a plate tectonic is the earth's outermost layer, called the crust. It is broken up into pieces. Those pieces are called tectonic plates. Plate boundaries are where there is movement between those tectonic plates. Now there are three types of plate boundaries: convergent, transform, and divergent boundaries. The convergent plate boundaries are where two tectonic plates push together. Sometimes one plate will move under the other. The movement takes time for it to take effect, but the result can be the creation of a mountain or a volcano. Next, we have Divergent boundaries, where two plates get pushed apart. The result is that a new crust is being formed because of the magma pushing up from the mantle and cooling enough when it reaches the surface. Lastly, we have to transform boundaries where two plates slide past each other. These places are often called faults and can be areas where earthquakes occur. An earthquake results from two tectonic plates moving, and they release seismic waves on the surface. There are fault lines around the plates; over time, they slowly move and get stuck. They keep on moving, but since they cannot move because they are stuck, that causes there to be pressure, and that release of tension is when the earthquake happens. In some cases, convergent boundaries can cause an earthquake; this occurs when one of the plate boundaries moves under the other plate, called subduction. Earthquakes are common in subduction zones. In a divergent boundary, when earthquakes occur due to the two plates spreading away, molten rock from the mantle erupts along the opening, creating a new fresh surface. These earthquakes are mostly minor. Lastly, we have transform boundary earthquakes where two plates are pent up with friction, and that causes the plates to lock in place. This then causes pressure to build up, resulting in an earthquake when released. Could there be earthquakes in North Carolina? In short, yes, it is possible, but why is it rare? In western North Carolina, the Appalachian mountain sits on top of a convergent plate boundary. And in a convergent boundary, it is likely for stress between tectonic plates to build, which can cause there to be earthquakes, and there is also the possibility of aftershocks. But to be more specific, it is possible to have earthquakes but not ones large enough to cause permanent damage because we are not on fault lines like the San Andres in California. So it is possible to have earthquakes, just not large enough to cause horrible damage.

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