Two tectonic plates move toward each other at what kind of boundaries?

1 Answer
May 18, 2018

Convergent boundary

Explanation:

When two plate move towards each other they converge or come together. The collision between two plates that are moving towards each other is called a convergent boundary.

When an ocean plate meets a continental plate at close to a straight line ( 180 degrees) the result is a subduction zone. There is usually a deep ocean trench off the coast of the continent. There are numerous earthquakes along the line of the contact between the two plates where the ocean plate and its sediments are destroyed. The continent has mountains and volcanos that form along the edge of the continent as a result of the collision.

When an ocean plates meets a continental plate at an almost parallel angle a convergent transform plate results, such as the San Andreas fault in California. The collision results in large damaging earthquakes.

When two continental plates converge the result is the formation of large folded mountains. The classic example is the collision between the Indian plate and the Asia plate. The result is the Himalayan mountains.

When two ocean plates meet a deep ocean trench results and parts of both plates are destroyed. Arcs of Ocean islands (often volcanic) are created by the collision.

When ever, where ever two plates converge a convergent boundary results. All the forms of a convergent boundary result in the condensing and loss of crustal material.