Outline the three major tectonic boundaries and the associated tectonic features

There are three general plate boundaries: convergent, divergent and transform. (INSERT SIMPLE DIAGRAMS HERE)
Convergent
These occur when two tectonic plates collide and meet each other. As two types of lithospheric plates exist, oceanic and crustal, the features associated can vary. Oceanic lithosphere is denser, older and cooler than continental lithosphere and therefore subducts beneath continental lithosphere. At convergent margins where oceanic and continental plates meet, the oceanic plate will subduct beneath the continental plate, melting via multiple mechanisms forming magma which buoyantly rises into the continental plate above. A similar process occurs when two oceanic plates converge with the densest (usually the oldest) subducting beneath the other. In both settings, volcanoes form on the overriding plate forming either island arcs in an oceanic - oceanic convergence zone or volcanic arcs in an oceanic - continental setting.Where two continental plates collide, mountain ranges form where the two plates fold and buckle. Examples include the Himalayas and the Alps.
Divergent
These form where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other. These are constructive in nature as oceanic lithosphere formed of basalt is formed. These divergent zones are typically found at mid-ocean ridges such as in the centre of the Atlantic Ocean. Various mechanisms drive the two plates apart. Volcanism and associated earthquakes occur at these zones.
Transform
These occur where two plates move parallel to each other either in the opposite direction or in the same direction to each other. There is no associated volcanism but earthquakes are typical. These transform zones occur in both oceanic and continental lithosphere. A classic example is the San Andreas Fault.

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Answered by Matt L. Geography tutor

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