Interactive map of
plate margins, tectonic settings and geologic hazards



* This diagram may be better viewed in full-screen mode.



Observe & Discuss:


Getting to know plates

  1. Find the North American plate.
  2. Is the continent of North America the same thing as the North American plate?
  3. Is the North American plate made up of continental or oceanic crust?>

Distinguishing continental and plate margins

  1. Find the continental margin of North America.
  2. Find the plate margin of North America.
  3. Which part of the North American continental margin is "passive"? "active"?

The relationship of geologic hazards and types of plate margins

  1. Look at the pattern of volcanoes.