plate boundary

American  

[playt baund-er-ee, baun-dree] / ˈpleɪt ˈbaʊnd ər i, ˈbaʊn dri /

noun

1. Geology. Also called tectonic boundary, tectonic plate boundary, a bordering edge between two tectonic plates, along which most volcanic and earthquake activity occurs as the plates push into each other, pull apart from each other, or slide against each other.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

plate boundary

The new research indicates that between about 37 and 24 million years ago, a plate boundary separating Europe and Africa temporarily passed through this part of the North Atlantic.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 23, 2026

That strain accumulates over decades and centuries, and is eventually unleashed in the form of earthquakes around that tectonic plate boundary.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 15, 2025

The site of the development is located along an earthquake-prone tectonic plate boundary.

From BBC ● Dec. 27, 2024

“It’s not quite as obvious, because there is no tectonic plate boundary that is active,” Dr. Frank said.

From New York Times ● Apr. 5, 2024

Pakistan and the region, which sit along an active continental plate boundary, are often hit by earthquakes.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 11, 2024