Evidence shows how Earth's tectonic plates have moved great distances throughout Earth's long geologic history.
Convergent Plate Boundaries
When tectonic plates come together or collide.
Cause
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Effect
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Continental Crust vs. Oceanic Crust Plate Tectonic Interactions
Remember the types of geologic activities and landforms that are created on Earth's surface depend not only on the type of plate boundary such as a convergent plate boundary, but also the type of crust that is interacting along that plate boundary.
1. Continental Crust --> <-- Continental Crust
Convergent Plate Boundary
Land-Forms
Real-world Examples:
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Video Guide:
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2. Continental Crust --> <-- Oceanic Crust
Convergent Plate Boundary
Land-FormsGeologic Activities
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Subduction
Subduction is a geological process that takes place at convergent boundaries of tectonic plates where one plate moves under another and is forced to sink back into Earth's mantle due to density and gravity. Subduction zones involve the oceanic lithosphere of one plate sliding beneath the continental or oceanic lithosphere of another plate due to the higher density of the oceanic lithosphere. Subduction zones are sites that usually have a high rate of volcanism and earthquakes.
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3. Oceanic Crust --> <-- Oceanic Crust
Convergent Plate Boundary
Land-Forms
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Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
- Convergent plate boundaries are where plates collide. When plates collide many geologic activities occur and landforms are created depending on the types of crust that are converging.
- When oceanic crust collides with less dense tectonic plates they become subducted causing dangerous earthquakes and volcanoes.
- The Pacific Ring of Fire is a large area of Earth where many volcanoes and earthquakes occur due to convergent plate boundaries.