• Oceanic-oceanic convergence - two oceanic plates converge, generally one will not subduct the other so mountain building occurs. This can create new islands over many millions of years. There will likely be earthquake activity (and therefore tsunami as the epicentre will be under the ocean), mountain building and possibly volcanic activity.
• Subduction - Where a heavier plate sinks underneath a lighter one as the two converge (come together). This creates a destructive plate margin, most common when a heavy oceanic plate sinks underneath a lighter continental one.
• Divergence - Where the two or more plates are moving away from one another.
• Convergence - Where the two or more plates are coming together.
5) The theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of the plates by convection cells in which layer? Within the mantle (and upper mantle).
6) Describe geologic features (mountain, trench, etc) that form at the three types of plate boundaries.
• Transform boundaries - Can be some visible fault lines/cracks. Earthquake activity heavily associated.
• Transform faults where plates move in opposite directions. - as above but can often be more severe.
• Hot Spots - Hotspots for what? Hot spots occur for all types of tectonic activity; most commonly plate boundaries. For example volcanic hotspots are Destructive plate boundaries, but Earthquake hotspots are more likely to be conservative (transform) boundaries.
• Plate boundary zones. - As above; Earthquakes, mountains, volcanoes, batholiths, they're all associated with plate boundaries.
7) What kind of tool do scientists use to detect earthquakes? - Seismographs and other equipment; tools that can measure vibrations of tectonic activity through the Earth.
8) What is the difference between seismic (S waves and P waves) and surface waves. - P waves are Primary Seismic Waves which travel through the Earth's mantle and are the first to be picked up by monitoring stations. They can't normally be felt by humans but may be heard by dogs (often causing them to start barking)