Which event occurs where two tectonic plates meet?

Which event occurs where two tectonic plates meet?

• A. Earthquakes
• B. Hurricanes
• C. Tornadoes
• D. Droughts

Answer: (A)

Earthquakes occur at the boundaries where two tectonic plates interact. When plates grind against or collide with each other, friction slows their motion and the rocks between them store up elastic stress. Eventually the stress is released in a sudden crack and slip along faults, sending seismic waves that shake the ground. Hurricanes and tornadoes are atmospheric phenomena driven by weather patterns, and droughts are long-term deficits in rainfall—neither tied to the movement of solid plates. So the event associated with plates meeting is an earthquake.

Earthquakes occur at the boundaries where two tectonic plates interact. When plates grind against or collide with each other, friction slows their motion and the rocks between them store up elastic stress. Eventually the stress is released in a sudden crack and slip along faults, sending seismic waves that shake the ground. Hurricanes and tornadoes are atmospheric phenomena driven by weather patterns, and droughts are long-term deficits in rainfall—neither tied to the movement of solid plates. So the event associated with plates meeting is an earthquake.