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When two continental plates collide, they have similar buoyant properties, so neither plate is significantly more dense than the other to cause one to sink. Instead, the plates crumple and deform, leading to the formation of mountain ranges and intense seismic activity along the boundary.
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When two plates collide what determines which plate comes out on top?
The density of the plates and the angle of the collision can determine which plate comes out on top when two plates collide. The denser plate tends to sink beneath the less dense plate, while the angle of collision can influence the direction of movement. Additionally, the presence of features like oceanic crust and continental crust can also impact which plate is subducted.
What happens tectonic plates come together?
When tectonic plates come together, it can lead to subduction, where one plate is forced beneath the other, creating deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs. It can also result in the formation of mountain ranges through the process of continental collision. Additionally, earthquakes can occur along the boundaries where the plates interact.
Why do fold mountains and earthquakes occur at collision plate margin?
Fold mountains and earthquakes occur at collision plate margins because of the intense pressure and stress that builds up as tectonic plates collide and crunch together. The collision forces the rock layers to fold and buckle, leading to the formation of large mountain ranges. The pressure and friction between the plates eventually cause them to break and slip, resulting in earthquakes.
Why does plates sometime sink into the mantle?
Plates can sink into the mantle at subduction zones because the descending plate is denser than the underlying mantle. This happens because the oceanic crust of the descending tectonic plate is denser than the underlying mantle rock.
What is a region where oceanic plates sink down into the asthenosphere?
A subduction zone is a region where oceanic plates sink down into the asthenosphere beneath another plate, such as at convergent plate boundaries. This process can lead to the formation of deep oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and earthquakes.
When plates collide with continental plates does the denser ocean plate sink?
Yes, it "dives" under the continental crust and back into the mantle.
Why do oceanic plates dive underneath continental plates when they collide?
Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates due to their composition, so when they collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced to dive (subduct) beneath the less dense continental plate. This process occurs due to the difference in density between the two types of plates, leading to the oceanic plate sinking into the mantle.
What are three types of convergent boundaries?
Oceanic-continental convergence: Oceanic plates sink beneath continental plates, creating subduction zones and mountain ranges. Oceanic-oceanic convergence: When two oceanic plates collide, one plate is subducted beneath the other, leading to trench formation and volcanic island arcs. Continental-continental convergence: Two continental plates collide, resulting in the uplift of crust and the formation of mountain ranges.
What happens when oceanic and continental plates collide?
When oceanic and continental plates collide, the oceanic plate is usually forced under the continental plate in a process called subduction. This can result in the formation of mountain ranges on the continental plate and can lead to the creation of volcanic arcs. The collision can also cause earthquakes and tsunamis.
When two plates collide what determines which plate comes out on top?
The density of the plates and the angle of the collision can determine which plate comes out on top when two plates collide. The denser plate tends to sink beneath the less dense plate, while the angle of collision can influence the direction of movement. Additionally, the presence of features like oceanic crust and continental crust can also impact which plate is subducted.
When two plates collide what determines which plates comes out on top?
The more dense plate subducts (goes under) the less dense plate. For example if continental and oceanic crust collide oceanic crust will go underneath the continental.
Why are oceanic plates lower than continental plates?
Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which causes them to be lower in elevation. The denser oceanic plates are effectively pulled downward by gravity, causing them to sink beneath the less dense continental plates. This difference in density and thickness results in oceanic plates being lower than continental plates.
When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate which plate is subducted?
When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is usually subducted beneath the less dense continental plate. This subduction process can lead to the formation of deep oceanic trenches and volcanic arcs on the overriding continental plate.
What is the name of plates that wont sink?
Buoyant plates, such as those made of foam or other lightweight materials, are designed not to sink in water. These plates can float on the surface of the water due to their low density and ability to displace enough water to offset their weight.
Why do convergent oceanic plates subduct but continental plates do not usually respond in this way?
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust, dense enough to sink into the mantle. Continental crust is not dense enough to do this.
Where does subdution occur?
Subduction (I believe that's what you meant) occurs at CONVERGENT boundaries, where two plates collide and the less dense one remains and the denser one sinks. An example of subduction is two oceanic plates colliding. Oceanic plates contain mainly basalt, which is dense. The oceanic plate closer to a heat source (hot spot, volcano) would remain in place while the denser plate sinks (cold water is denser than hot water so it sinks) below the other. When an oceanic plate and a continental plate collide, the oceanic plate sinks because granite (what continental plates are composed of mainly) is less dense than basalt, therefore the oceanic plate would sink. However, when two continental plates collide, because both plates are made of granite and are not very dense, they push and shape the land into mountains.
What happens tectonic plates come together?
When tectonic plates come together, it can lead to subduction, where one plate is forced beneath the other, creating deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs. It can also result in the formation of mountain ranges through the process of continental collision. Additionally, earthquakes can occur along the boundaries where the plates interact.
