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

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plate boundary

Caracas’ seismic risk is similar to the risk Los Angeles and San Francisco face, as each of the three cities sits near a tectonic plate boundary “and therefore historically have had bigger earthquakes,” Jones said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

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

Sometimes these plates lock together when they meet, which is called a plate boundary or a fault line.

From BBC ● Feb. 5, 2025

“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