Question

The following figure shows the GPS data at two stations located near each other at the same latitude. Station A is moving towards the west while station B is moving towards the east. Which one of the following options is correct?

 

• A. A and B are located on two sides of a convergent boundary
• B. A and B are located on two sides of a transform boundary
• C. A and B are located on two sides of a divergent boundary
• D. A and B are parts of the same plate

Hint:

Divergent boundaries are indicated by GPS readings showing two locations moving away from each other — often seen in mid-oceanic ridges or rift zones.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Analyze GPS motion directions.
Station A is moving westward and Station B is moving eastward. This indicates that the two points are moving away from each other.
Step 2: Interpret the tectonic implications.
Movement away from each other is characteristic of a divergent plate boundary, where tectonic plates are pulling apart, such as at mid-ocean ridges.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options.
(A) Convergent boundaries involve plates moving toward each other — not applicable here.
(B) Transform boundaries involve lateral motion but generally in opposite directions along the same axis.
(D) If both stations were on the same plate, they would typically move in the same general direction.
Hence, the only correct interpretation is that A and B lie on two sides of a divergent boundary.