Plate A and Plate B are both made of continental plate material where they touch. What will happen as the plates press together?
A.
The edges of both plates will be pushed upward as the plates continue to move toward each other.
B.
The edges of both plates will be pushed downward as the plates continue to move toward each other.
C.
One plate will stop moving, and one plate will push upward as it continues to move toward the other plate.
D.
Both plates will stop moving.
B. The edges of both plates will be pushed downward as the plates continue to move toward each other.
The correct answer is A. The edges of both plates will be pushed upward as the plates continue to move toward each other.
When continental plates collide, the leading edges of both plates are forced upward due to compressional forces. This type of collision is called a convergent boundary. As the plates continue to move towards each other, the compressional forces cause the rock layers at the edges to buckle and fold, creating mountain ranges. The collision between the continental plates can give rise to significant geological features like the Himalayas.
To arrive at this conclusion, we need to have a basic understanding of plate tectonics and the behavior of continental plates. We know that continental plates are composed of less dense material compared to oceanic plates. When two continental plates meet, neither plate will subduct beneath the other because of their buoyancy.
Instead, the plates push against each other, causing the rock layers at the edges to fold and form mountain ranges. The upward movement of the edges of the plates causes compression and uplift of the crust, resulting in the formation of mountains.
So, based on this knowledge, it becomes clear that when continental plates press together, the edges of both plates will be pushed upward as the plates continue to move toward each other, as stated in option A.