Plate Tectonics Lab Report
Instructions: In the Plate Tectonic lab you will investigate the interactions between continental
and oceanic plates at convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries around the globe. Record
your observations in the lab report below. You will submit your completed report.
Name and Title:
Name: Leonardo Mata
Instructor's name: Scott Giberson
Date: 07/19/2024
Objective(s): I think that the objective for this lab is to learn how the tectonic plates can
move so much and how their so important the planet. We can also have fun with the
interactive lab and it also can show us the effects o the movement of the plates.
Hypothesis:
In this section, please include the if/then statements you developed during your lab activity for
each location on the map. These statements reflect your predicted outcomes for the experiment.
Location One: Select two events that you predict will be observed. If I explore two continental
plates at a convergent boundary, then I will observe:
• earthquakes
• faults
• ocean formation
• mountains
• volcanoes
• island chains
• seafloor spreading
Location Two: Select three events that you predict will be observed. If I explore two continental
plates at a divergent boundary, then I will observe:
• earthquakes
• faults
• ocean formation
• mountains
• volcanoes
• island chains
• seafloor spreading
Location Three: Select three events that you predict will be observed. If I explore two continental
plates at a transform boundary, then I will observe:
• earthquakes
• faults
• ocean formation
• mountains
• volcanoes
• island chains
• seafloor spreading
Location Four: Select two events that you predict will be observed. If I explore two oceanic
plates at a convergent boundary, then I will observe:
• earthquakes
• faults
• ocean formation
• mountains
• volcanoes
• island chains
• seafloor spreading
Location Five: Select three events that you predict will be observed. If I explore two oceanic
plates at a divergent boundary, then I will observe:
• earthquakes
• faults
• ocean formation
• mountains
• volcanoes
• island chains
• seafloor spreading
Location Six: Select two events that you predict will be observed. If I explore two oceanic plates
at a transform boundary, then I will observe:
• earthquakes
• faults
• ocean formation
• mountains
• volcanoes
• island chains
• seafloor spreading
Procedure:
The procedures are listed in your virtual lab. You do not need to repeat them here. Please be sure
to identify the test variable (independent variable), outcome variable (dependent variable).
Reminder: Test variable = the item you are changing or manipulating; Outcome variable = the
item you are measuring
• Test variable (independent variable): Time
• Outcome variable (dependent variable): Geological formation
Data:
Record the data from each location below.
Location Name Boundary Type Year Observed Geologic Events Observed
(C=Convergent, (5, 10, or 20 (earthquakes, faults, ocean formation,
D=Divergent, or million years) mountains, volcanoes, island chains,
T=Transform) seafloor spreading)
Location One C 5 Event 1- earthquake
Himalayas
20 Event 2- mountains
Location Two D 5 Event 1- earthquake
East Africa
10 Event 2- volcanoes
20 Event 3- ocean formation
Location Three T 5 Event 1- earthquakes
San Andreas
10 Event 2- faults
fault zone
20 Event 3- mountains
Location Four C 5 Event 1- volcanoes
Aleutian
20 Event 2- ocean formation
Islands
Location Five D 5 Event 1- earthquakes
Mid-Atlantic
10 Event 2- volcanoes
Ridge 20 Event 3- seafloor spreading
Location Six T 5 Event 1- earthquakes
Alpine Fault
20 Event 2- Island chains
Conclusion:
Your conclusion will include a summary of the lab results and an interpretation of the results.
Please write in complete sentences.
1. What types of geological events or changes occur at divergent plate boundaries?
There would be earthquakes and most likely formations of mountains and faults.
2. What types of geological events or changes occur at convergent plate boundaries?
volcanic activity, earthquakes, mountain formation, and subduction.
3. What types of geological events or changes occur at transform plate boundaries
earthquakes, large lateral displacement of rock, and a broad zone of crustal deformation
shallow
4. Explain how these geological processes and interactions have changed Earth's surface through
the years. Be sure to use evidence to support your answer.
The geologic processes are related to the formation oceans basins, mountain chains and
formation of glaciers.
