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Chapter 3: Problem 10

What is a triple junction?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A triple junction is a point where three tectonic plate boundaries come together, involving any combination of the three types of plate boundaries (divergent, convergent, or transform). This leads to a unique and complex geological activity, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains. Some notable examples include the East African Rift System, Galapagos Triple Junction, and Boso Triple Junction.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction to Tectonic Plates

Tectonic plates are pieces of the Earth's lithosphere, which is the outermost layer of the Earth composed of the crust and the upper mantle. These plates move due to the processes occurring in the Earth's mantle beneath them. The movement of these plates leads to various geological phenomena like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains.
02

Tectonic Plate Boundaries

Plate boundaries are the edges where two tectonic plates meet and interact. There are three types of plate boundaries: 1. Divergent boundaries: At these boundaries, the plates move away from each other, and new crust is formed as magma rises from the mantle. 2. Convergent boundaries: At these boundaries, the plates move towards each other, and one plate is forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. This can lead to the formation of trenches and mountains. 3. Transform boundaries: At these boundaries, the plates slide past each other horizontally, leading to earthquakes due to the friction between the plates.
03

Triple Junction

A triple junction is a point where three tectonic plate boundaries come together. At this point, three tectonic plates meet and interact with each other. Triple junctions can involve any combination of the three types of plate boundaries mentioned above (divergent, convergent, or transform). These junctions are unique and are often associated with complex and intense geological activity.
04

Examples of Triple Junctions

Some notable examples of triple junctions include: 1. The East African Rift System: A divergent boundary triple junction involving the African Plate, the Somali Plate, and the Arabian Plate. 2. The Galapagos Triple Junction: Located near the Galapagos Islands, it involves the Cocos Plate, the Nazca Plate, and the South American Plate. 3. The Boso Triple Junction: Located near Japan, where the Pacific Plate, the Philippine Sea Plate, and the Eurasian Plate meet. In conclusion, a triple junction is a unique geological point where three tectonic plate boundaries meet, resulting in fascinating and complex geological phenomena.

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