What occurs when two continental plates converge?

What occurs when two continental plates converge?

• A. Creation of ocean basins
• B. Formation of mountain ranges
• C. Subduction zones
• D. Volcanic activity

Answer: (B)

When two continental plates converge, the primary geological process that occurs is the formation of mountain ranges. This is due to the immense pressure and force exerted as the plates collide, resulting in the crust being pushed upward. The collision and subsequent folding, faulting, and uplift of the crust lead to the creation of significant topographic features such as mountains. The formation of mountain ranges is particularly exemplified by events such as the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, which resulted in the Himalayas. Unlike oceanic plates, which can be subducted beneath lighter continental plates, the convergence of two continental plates leads to an overall thickening of the crust, not the creation of ocean basins or subduction zones. Volcanic activity is typically associated with subduction zones where an oceanic plate is forced under another plate, which is not the scenario with converging continental plates.

When two continental plates converge, the primary geological process that occurs is the formation of mountain ranges. This is due to the immense pressure and force exerted as the plates collide, resulting in the crust being pushed upward. The collision and subsequent folding, faulting, and uplift of the crust lead to the creation of significant topographic features such as mountains.

The formation of mountain ranges is particularly exemplified by events such as the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, which resulted in the Himalayas. Unlike oceanic plates, which can be subducted beneath lighter continental plates, the convergence of two continental plates leads to an overall thickening of the crust, not the creation of ocean basins or subduction zones. Volcanic activity is typically associated with subduction zones where an oceanic plate is forced under another plate, which is not the scenario with converging continental plates.