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5.15: Ocean-Continent Convergent Plates

  • Page ID
    5393
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    What do you see when oceanic lithosphere subducts?

    At a convergent plate boundary, when one plate is oceanic, there are large volcanoes. These volcanoes are found in lines that outline the subduction zone. Earthquakes also happen in these zones. The Aleutian Islands that border southern Alaska are an island arc. In this winter image from space, the volcanoes are covered with snow.

    Convergent Plate Boundaries

    A convergent plate boundary forms where two plates collide. That collision can happen between a continent and oceanic crust, between two oceanic plates, or between two continents. Oceanic crust is always destroyed in these collisions.

    Ocean-Continent Convergence

    Oceanic crust may collide with a continent. The oceanic plate is denser, so it undergoes subduction. This means that the oceanic plate sinks beneath the continent. This occurs at an ocean trench (Figure below). Subduction zones are where subduction takes place.

    Subduction of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate causes earthquakes and forms a line of volcanoes known as a continental arc

    Subduction of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate forms a line of volcanoes known as a continental arc and causes earthquakes.

    As you would expect, where plates collide there are lots of intense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The subducting oceanic plate melts as it reenters the mantle. The magma rises and erupts. This creates a volcanic mountain range near the coast of the continent. This range is called a continental arc. The Andes Mountains, along the western edge of South America, are a volcanic arc (Figure below).

    Relief map of South America and the Andes Mountains

    A relief map of South America shows the trench west of the continent. The Andes Mountains line the western edge of South America.

    Ocean-Ocean Convergence

    Two oceanic plates may collide. In this case, the older plate is denser. This plate subducts beneath the younger plate. As the subducting plate is pushed deeper into the mantle, it melts. The magma this creates rises and erupts. This forms a line of volcanoes, known as an island arc (Figure below). Japan, Indonesia, the Philippine Islands, and the Aleutian Islands of Alaska are examples of island arcs (Figure below).

    Diagram of a convergent plate boundary between two ocean plates

    A convergent plate boundary subduction zone between two plates of oceanic lithosphere. Melting of the subducting plate causes volcanic activity and earthquakes.

    Japan is an island arc that lies at the intersection of the North American, Filipino, and Eurasian plates

    The country of Japan is an island arc that lies at the intersection of the North American, Filipino, and Eurasian plates. Colors in this picture indicate elevation.

    Summary

    • When two plates come toward each other, they create a convergent plate boundary.
    • If at least one plate is oceanic, there will be subduction.
    • Subduction of a plate leads to melting and volcanism.
    • An island arc is a line of volcanoes on an oceanic plate. A continental arc is a line of volcanoes on a continental plate.

    Review

    1. What is the direction of plate motion at a convergent plate boundary?
    2. What creates an island arc?
    3. How is a continental arc different from an island arc?

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