Questions and Answers
Convergent plate boundaries are the sites where two lithospheric plates p______ t_______ each other.
push toward
What are the three types of convergent plate boundaries?
oceanic - oceanic, oceanic - continental, continental - continental
What is produced by convergence of two oceanic plates?
island arc complexes
Island arcs are c________ chains of v________ islands bounded on the convex side by an oceanic t________.
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A_______ v______ are found all along the arc.
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S_____________ is the process by whereby an oceanic plate bends downward at an ocean t______ and d________ into the mantle.
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What marks the upper surface of a descending oceanic slab, causing shallow earthquakes to occur widely?
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Arc magmas are produced by de__________ of the descending oceanic slab, producing wet partial m_______ of the overlying mantle.
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Arc magmas show a range of compositions, but most commonly what type of magma is produced?
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What forms a complex zone of highly deformed sediment and some ocean floor volcanic rocks above the subduction zone?
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M___________ occurs with the high-t__________ belts associated with the m_________ arc and the high-p________ belts associated with the s___________ zone.
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C___________ collision zones are the final stage of closure of an ocean b________ by subduction and show extreme d______________ of the crust.
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Study Notes
Convergent Plate Boundaries Overview
- Convergent plate boundaries occur where two lithospheric plates push toward each other.
- These boundaries can lead to different geological features and processes, depending on the types of plates involved.
Types of Convergent Plate Boundaries
- Three types exist:
- Oceanic-Oceanic
- Oceanic-Continental
- Continental-Continental
Geological Features from Oceanic Plate Convergence
- Convergence of two oceanic plates results in ISLAND ARC COMPLEXES.
- Areas near these complexes often experience intense earthquakes and high volcanic activity.
Island Arcs Characteristics
- Island arcs are curved chains of volcanic islands, typically found near oceanic trenches.
- They are bounded on the convex side by an oceanic trench.
- ACTIVE VOLCANOES populate the entire length of these arcs.
Subduction Process
- SUBDUCTION involves an oceanic plate bending down at an ocean trench and moving into the mantle.
- This process initiates significant geological changes and can generate earthquakes.
Benioff Zone
- A BENIOFF ZONE marks the upper surface of a descending oceanic plate, characterized by shallow earthquakes along a dipping plane.
Magma Formation
- Arc magmas result from DEHYDRATION of oceanic slabs, leading to wet partial MELTING of the overlying mantle.
- Andesite is the most common composition found in arc magmas.
Accretionary Wedge Formation
- An "ACCRETIONARY WEDGE" forms above the subduction zone, consisting of highly deformed sediment and volcanic rocks from the ocean floor.
Metamorphism in Convergent Boundaries
- METAMORPHISM is prominent in high-TEMPERATURE belts associated with magmatic arcs and high-PRESSURE belts linked to subduction zones.
Continental Collision Zones
- CONTINENTAL collision zones represent the final stage of ocean basin closure through subduction.
- These zones demonstrate extreme DEFORMATION of the crust, reshaping the geological landscape.
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Description
Explore the concept of convergent plate boundaries with these informative flashcards. Learn about the interaction between lithospheric plates, including the different types and their significance in geology. Perfect for geology students looking to reinforce their understanding of plate tectonics.