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If a plate of oceanic crust and a plate of continental crust collided, what's the most likely outcome?

A. Subduction
B. Formation of new oceanic crust
C. Earthquakes
D. Volcanic eruptions

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The collision between an oceanic crust plate and a continental crust plate typically results in subduction, causing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a plate of oceanic crust and a plate of continental crust collide, the most likely outcome is subduction. The continental crust is generally too buoyant and thick to be subducted. In contrast, the oceanic crust is thinner and denser, and it can be more readily thrust down into the upper mantle at a subduction zone, often marked by an ocean trench. This process can result in several geologic phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building as the subducting oceanic crust is forced down and melts, causing magma to rise and potentially lead to volcanic activity. Additionally, the friction and movement at the subduction zone can generate earthquakes.

User Stefan Neubig
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