The South American Plate is a major tectonic plate that includes the continent of South America and a large portion of the Atlantic Ocean. It has several types of boundaries:
- Divergent Boundary: The eastern edge of the South American Plate forms a divergent boundary with the African Plate. This boundary is marked by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where new oceanic crust is formed as the two plates move apart.
- Convergent Boundary: The western edge of the South American Plate forms a convergent boundary with the Nazca Plate. This boundary is characterized by the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate, leading to the formation of the Andes Mountains and frequent volcanic activity.
- Transform Boundary: The southern edge of the South American Plate forms a transform boundary with the Scotia Plate. This boundary is characterized by horizontal movement, where the plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.
These boundaries play a crucial role in shaping the geological features and seismic activity of the region.