Which type of plate boundary is most commonly associated with earthquakes?

The type of plate boundary most commonly associated with earthquakes is the convergent boundary. At convergent boundaries, tectonic plates move toward each other, leading to intense geological activity. When these plates collide, one plate is often forced beneath another in a process known as subduction. This interaction results in significant stress accumulation along faults, which can eventually release as an earthquake.

While transform boundaries, where plates slide past each other, are also known for generating earthquakes, the scale and density of seismic activity are typically more pronounced at convergent boundaries. Divergent boundaries, where plates move apart, may lead to some seismic activity, but it is generally less intense compared to convergent scenarios. Subduction boundaries are a specific type of convergent boundary characterized by one plate descending beneath another, and they are especially notable for their ability to produce very powerful earthquakes. Thus, the overarching category of convergent boundaries encompasses the most significant seismic events overall.

In summary, convergent boundaries are particularly associated with earthquakes due to the complex interactions and stress concentrations that arise from colliding tectonic plates.