a. What are the three types of plate boundaries? b. Describe the type of movement that occurs at each type of plate boundary. c. What is likely to occur at a plate boundary where oceanic crust collides with continental crust?

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify the types of plate boundaries, describe the movements at each, and explain what occurs when oceanic crust collides with continental crust.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the three types of plate boundaries.
2. Describe the movement at each type of boundary.
3. Explain the interaction between oceanic and continental crusts.

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

1. Types of Plate Boundaries:

   • Divergent
   • Convergent
   • Transform

2. Movements at Each Boundary:

   • Divergent Boundaries: Plates move apart from each other. This often occurs at mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is formed.
   • Convergent Boundaries: Plates move towards each other. This can result in one plate being forced below another in a process called subduction.
   • Transform Boundaries: Plates slide past each other horizontally. This can cause earthquakes along faults like the San Andreas Fault.

3. Oceanic-Continental Collision:

   • When oceanic crust collides with continental crust, the denser oceanic plate is typically subducted beneath the lighter continental plate. This can lead to volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

• Divergent Boundaries: New crust formation, typically less seismic activity.
• Convergent Boundaries: Subduction zones, potential for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• Transform Boundaries: Earthquakes due to lateral sliding.
• Oceanic-Continental Collision: Subduction leads to volcanic arcs and mountain building.

Final Answer

a. The three types of plate boundaries are divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.
b. At divergent boundaries, plates move apart; at convergent boundaries, plates move towards each other; at transform boundaries, plates slide past each other.
c. At a plate boundary where oceanic crust collides with continental crust, the oceanic crust is subducted beneath the continental crust, often leading to volcanic activity and mountain formation.