Convergent plate boundaries are locations where two tectonic plates are moving towards each other. When two plates converge, one of three things can happen depending on the type of plates involved. The three types of convergent plate boundaries are oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, and continental-continental.
Oceanic-Oceanic Convergent Plate Boundaries:
This is a type of convergent boundary where two oceanic plates come together. When these plates collide, one plate will be forced beneath the other in a process known as subduction. This results in the formation of a deep-sea trench and a volcanic island arc. As the oceanic plate subducts, it heats up and partially melts, creating magma that rises to the surface and forms volcanoes.
Oceanic-Continental Convergent Plate Boundaries:
This is a type of convergent boundary where an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate. The denser oceanic plate will subduct beneath the less dense continental plate. This causes the formation of a deep-sea trench, a volcanic arc, and a mountain range. The subduction of the oceanic plate creates magma, which rises to the surface and forms a chain of volcanoes on the continental plate.
Continental-Continental Convergent Plate Boundaries:
This is a type of convergent boundary where two continental plates collide. When two continents come together, neither plate can subduct, as they are both too buoyant to sink. Instead, the collision causes the formation of a massive mountain range, such as the Himalayas. The pressure and heat generated by the collision can also result in the formation of metamorphic rocks, as well as earthquakes.