Describe the different types of plate boundaries created by tectonic motions and (with examples) outline their associated geographical locations (20 marks).

Plate tectonics result from the motion of the rigid lithosphere, which rides on top of the more fluid asthenosphere. Given that oceanic crust is thinner and more dense than the thicker, less dense continental crust, different settings occur depending on whether oceanic or continental plates are involved. Three key types of plate boundaries exist; divergent (constructive), convergent (destructive) and conservative (transform faults).
At a divergent boundary, the plates pull apart. In an oceanic setting, mid-ocean ridges (MORs) are created, whereas in a continental setting rift zones are created. An example of each is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East-African Rift Zone, respectively. Convergent boundaries mark the collision of plates. If the plates are oceanic, an island arc is formed and if the plates are continental, a collision zone is formed. If one is oceanic and one is continental, an active continental margin is formed. An example of an Island Arc is the Japanese Islands and the Himalayas are a collision zone, whereas the west coast of North America is an Active margin. Finally, conservative boundaries occur when two plates slide past each other. For example, the San Andreas Fault.