How have tectonic plates affected Latin America's physical geography?
1 Answer
Oct 22, 2016
The tectonic plates have created the Andes mountains that dominate the Pacific side of South America.
Explanation:
Along the Western edge of South America the Pacific plate is sub ducted under the Continental plate of South America
As the Ocean plate is pushed under the overriding continental plate the ocean sedimentary layers are heated compressed and melted.
The melted rocks from this process forms magma. Some of the magma reaches the surface as volcanic eruptions.
The pressure of the converging plates that create the subduction zone forces the continental plate upwards creating mountain ranges, such as the Andes.
