Convergent Plate Movement

When two plates move towards each other, they would collide. This is called a convergent plate movement. As the plates collide, some crust is destroyed due to the impact, therefore this convergent boundary is also called a destructive boundary.

When A Continental And Oceanic Plate Collide
When a continental plate and an oceanic plate collide, subduction occurs. The oceanic plate sinks under the continental plate as it is denser. The crust carrying the ocean melts underneath at the subduction zone due to the immense friction and high heat of the magma, which is acidic with higher silican and sulphuric content.

The impact of the collision also causes cracks to form in the crust. The heat and pressure from the mantle forces the acidic magma to rise up these cracks. As the magma continues to rise up the cracks, it escapes onto the surface and solidifies, building up a volcano. Magma on the surface is now known as lava. Thus, an acid lava volcano is formed.

The converging of the oceanic and continental plate also cause deep oceanic trenches and fold mountains to form.

When Two Continental Plates Converge
When two continental plates converge, one plate will be forced only slightly under the other, but no subduction will take place. Thus, the pressing together of two plates will fold the crust and forms what we known as fold mountains.

When Two Oceanic Plates Converge
Similarly, when one oceanic plate converge, the other oceanic plate may subduct beneath the other. However, there is no head-on collision for two oceanic plates. Magma will then rise up to form volcanoes.

Other Types Of Plate Movements
• Divergent
• Transform

Back To Plates On The Move

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