Which feature is formed at convergent plate boundaries ?
At convergent plate boundaries, several features can be formed, including:
1. Mountains: When two continental plates collide, the intense pressure and compression can result in the formation of mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas.
2. Subduction Zones: When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the lighter continental plate in a process called subduction. This forms a subduction zone, where earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of deep ocean trenches occur.
3. Volcanoes: At convergent plate boundaries, where two plates collide, magma from the subducting plate can rise to the surface, resulting in a volcanic eruption. These volcanoes are known as subduction zone volcanoes and are typically found in areas like the Pacific Ring of Fire.
4. Trenches: When an oceanic plate is subducted beneath another plate, a deep trench is formed on the ocean floor. These trenches, such as the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean, are the deepest parts of the Earth's crust.
5. Accretionary Wedges: As sediment and other materials are scraped off the subducting plate and accumulate against the overriding plate, an accretionary wedge is formed. These wedges can thicken over time and contribute to the growth of continents.
6. Folded and Thrusted Mountain Belts: When oceanic and continental plates collide, the compression forces can cause the sediments and rock layers to buckle and fold, resulting in the formation of folded and thrusted mountain belts, such as the Appalachian Mountains in North America.