What happens when two continental plates move away from each other?

A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other. Along these boundaries, earthquakes are common and magma (molten rock) rises from the Earth’s mantle to the surface, solidifying to create new oceanic crust.

What will form when two plates move apart?

When two plates are moving away from each other, we call this a divergent plate boundary. Along these boundaries, magma rises from deep within the Earth and erupts to form new crust on the lithosphere. Most divergent plate boundaries are underwater and form submarine mountain ranges called oceanic spreading ridges.

When two continental plates pull apart what geologic feature is formed?

For example, when two continental plates diverge from each other, an ocean basin is created due to the separation of land. On the other hand, if two oceanic plates diverged, a mid ocean ridge would form, which is also known as a spreading center.

What are formed when two continental plates are converging?

When two continental plates converge, they smash together and create mountains. The amazing Himalaya Mountains are the result of this type of convergent plate boundary.

Which most likely occurs when two continental plates are pushed into one another?

When continental plates collide, mountains form.

What happens when plate tectonic plates move?

When the plates move they collide or spread apart allowing the very hot molten material called lava to escape from the mantle. When collisions occur they produce mountains, deep underwater valleys called trenches, and volcanoes. The Earth is producing “new” crust where two plates are diverging or spreading apart.

Why do two continental plates uplift converge?

Why do two continental plates uplift converge? As a continent converges on an ocean ridge, it over-rides an increasingly thin and hot subducting plate. As a consequence, the leading edge of the continent is uplifted and the uplift progresses inland during convergence. …

What will happen where two continental plates collide at a convergent boundary?

What happens when two oceanic plates converge?

Ocean-Ocean Collisions When two oceanic plates collide one oceanic plate is eventually subducted under the other. Where one plate slides under the other is referred to as the ‘subduction zone’. As the subducting plate descends into the mantle where it is being gradually heated a benioff zone is formed.

What happens when two continental plates crash into each other?

The Crash!: The Crash! What happens when plates crash into each other depends on the types of plates involved. Because continental crust is lighter than oceanic crust, continental plates ”float” higher. Therefore, when an oceanic plate meets a continetnal plate, it slides under the lighter plate and down into the mantle.

What happens when an ocean plate collides with a continental?

When a plate carrying an oceanic crust collides with a plate carrying continental crust, the plate carrying continental crust becomes unable to sink under the more dense plate of oceanic crust. As a result, the plate of continental crust sinks beneath the plate of oceanic current and the process of subduction occurs.

What forms when two continental plates come together?

A tectonic plate boundary always forms when two continental plates collide. Neither plate subducts because the crust have approximately the same density. Instead, the rocks are smashed together causing them to recrystallize due to the intense heat and pressure from the colliding plates.

What is it called when two continental plates collide?

Convergent boundaries include when two continental plates collide, two oceanic plates converge or when an oceanic plate meets a continental plate. Several events can occur. Generally, when the oceanic plate hits a continental one, the continental plate uplifts, and the oceanic plate goes beneath it or subducts.