What are the possibilities of tectonic plate interactions?

Master Plate Tectonics Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, including hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

The possibilities of tectonic plate interactions encompass various movements that can occur between plates, primarily focusing on two main processes: collision and moving apart.

When tectonic plates interact, they can either converge, resulting in a collision where one plate may subduct beneath another, or diverge, where plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, typically seen at mid-ocean ridges. This dynamic interaction leads to significant geological phenomena such as earthquakes, mountain formation, and volcanic activity.

In contrast, the other options are limited in scope. Sliding past each other represents only one type of interaction (transform boundaries), while separation and the formation of new minerals do not capture the full range of interactions that can occur. The correct answer highlights the two primary and more significant interactions that govern the behavior and evolution of the Earth's lithosphere.

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