Types of Plate Boundaries

Convergent Boundary

A convergent boundary is the boundary between two colliding plates.

Divergent Boundary

A divergent boundary is the boundary between two plates that are pulling away from each other.

Convergent: Continental-Continental

A landform formed by this boundary are mountain ranges. Examples: the Himalayas

Transform Boundary

A transform boundary is the boundary between two plates that are sliding past each other.

Transform: Continental-Oceanic and Continental-Continental

The landforms formed by these boundaries are fault lines, earthquakes and volcanoes. Examples: San Francisco Earthquake of 1909, the San Andreas Fault in California, and Haiti in 2010

Divergent: Oceanic-Oceanic

The landforms formed by this boundary are mid-ocean rigdes. Examples: Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Iceland volcano

Convergent: Continental-Oceanic

The landforms formed by this boundary are trenches, volcanoes and earthquakes. Examples: The Marianas Trench, the Andes, and Mt. St. Helens

Divergent: Continental-Continental

The landforms formed by this boundary are volcanoes and rift valleys. Examples: The great Rift Valley in Africa, Mt. Nyiragogo