Earthquakes often occur along the boundaries between colliding plates,
and molten rock from below creates pressure that is released by volcanic
eruptions, helping to build up mountains. Under the ocean basins, molten
rock may well up between separating plates to create new ocean floor. Volcanic
activity along the ocean floor may form undersea mountains, which can thrust
above the ocean's surface to become islands.
| NSES Content Standard D
Earth and Space Science: Structure of the Earth system Grades 5-8, page 160 Lithospheric plates on the scales of continents and oceans constantly move at rates of centimeters per year in response to movements in the mantle. Major geological events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building, result from these plate motions. |