The physical features present near plate boundaries is the best indicator of what type of plate boundary is present.
Explanation:
There are several different plate boundaries, and all of them have some trademark features that distinguish them. The three types of plate boundaries are divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries, and all of them can occur either on land or in water.
The divergent plate boundaries, when in water, are characterized by mid-ocean ridges, but if they are on land they are characterized by rift valleys.
The convergent plate boundaries, when in water, are characterized by ocean trenches and volcanic island arcs, but if they are on land they are characterized by high mountain chains.
The transform plate boundaries, be it in water or land, are characterized by transform faults along the plate boundary.
