As tectonic plates continue to grind against each other, several geologic events can take place:
- The most common event is an earthquake, caused by the buildup and sudden release of stress along the plate boundaries due to the grinding motion
- Volcanic eruptions can also occur, especially in subduction zones where one plate is forced under another, causing melting of mantle material and magma formation that rises to the surface
- Other geologic features and events include the formation of ocean trenches, volcanic arcs, and mountain building due to the intense pressure and deformation at convergent boundaries
- At transform boundaries, the grinding causes shallow earthquakes and lateral displacement of rock without creating or destroying crust
In summary, as plates grind against each other, earthquakes are the primary geologic event, but volcanic activity, mountain formation, and ocean trench development can also occur depending on the type of plate boundary and tectonic setting
