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It gets pushed down under the lighter plate. This process is called subduction.

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Q: When two plates collide the denser plate does what?
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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.


How does density affect how plates interact?

Density plays a key role in convergent boundaries. When two plates collide at a convergent plate boundary, it is the denser plate that will subduct.


Why do oceanic plates move under continental plates when the two collide?

Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates, so when they collide at a convergent boundary, the denser oceanic plate is forced to subduct beneath the less dense continental plate. This subduction is driven by the force of gravity pulling the denser plate downward. This process can lead to the formation of volcanic arcs and deep ocean trenches.


Why does the oceanic plate subduct and the continent doesn't?

Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates due to their composition and age. When two plates collide and one is denser, the denser plate will subduct beneath the less dense plate. This is why oceanic plates subduct beneath continental plates in a process known as subduction.


When two oceanic plates meet at a convergent boundary which plate pushes below the other plate?

At a convergent boundary where two oceanic plates meet, the denser plate will typically subduct below the less dense plate. The denser plate is usually the older, cooler, and more compacted of the two plates.

Related questions

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.


How does density affect how plates interact?

Density plays a key role in convergent boundaries. When two plates collide at a convergent plate boundary, it is the denser plate that will subduct.


Why do oceanic plates move under continental plates when the two collide?

Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates, so when they collide at a convergent boundary, the denser oceanic plate is forced to subduct beneath the less dense continental plate. This subduction is driven by the force of gravity pulling the denser plate downward. This process can lead to the formation of volcanic arcs and deep ocean trenches.


Why does the oceanic plate subduct and the continent doesn't?

Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates due to their composition and age. When two plates collide and one is denser, the denser plate will subduct beneath the less dense plate. This is why oceanic plates subduct beneath continental plates in a process known as subduction.


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.


When two oceanic plates meet at a convergent boundary which plate pushes below the other plate?

At a convergent boundary where two oceanic plates meet, the denser plate will typically subduct below the less dense plate. The denser plate is usually the older, cooler, and more compacted of the two plates.


How do plate move a convergent boundary?

A convergent boundary is one where two plates are grinding into each other, so the plates are moving toward each other. If one plate more dense than the other, (say a continent and an oceanic plate collide) then the denser plate (the oceanic plate) may be subducted. If two plates of similar or the same density collide, then neither plate will subduct, and crustal thickening may occur. This is the process which formed the Himalayas, resulting from the pressure of two continental plates, the Indian and the Asian.


Which two plates collide in the Appalachian mountains?

The pacific plate and the cocos plate


What explains the observation that when a continental and oceanic plate collide the oceanic plate dives down under the continental plate?

This phenomenon, known as subduction, occurs because oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates. When the two plates collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the less dense continental plate due to gravitational pull. This process results in the oceanic plate descending into the mantle, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.


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.


Why do some plates subduct under others?

Plates subduct under others due to differences in density. When two plates collide, the denser plate sinks beneath the less dense plate in a process called subduction. This occurs because the denser plate is heavier and can sink into the mantle more easily.


How does one tectonic plate become denser than another?

One tectonic plate can become denser than another through the process of subduction. When two plates collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the less dense continental plate due to differences in density and composition. As the oceanic plate sinks into the Earth's mantle, it experiences high pressure and temperature, causing it to become denser.