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Contributor: Meghan Vestal. Lesson ID: 11121
When tectonic plates collide, is it anybody's fault? When plates collide, or converge, the results can be earth-shaking! Graham cracker squares make a safe model of what happens when plates collide!
Brace yourself for an explosive lesson on convergent boundaries!
As two massive tectonic plates push against each other, the forces of nature are unleashed, causing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of towering mountain ranges.
Explore the fascinating science behind convergent boundaries and how these dynamic collisions have shaped our planet's landscape.
From the Andes to the Himalayas, witness the incredible power of plate tectonics in action and discover the awe-inspiring geologic wonders that exist at convergent boundaries.
Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of geology!
You have probably noticed that there are not giant gaps all over the planet between all the earth’s tectonic plates. That means when tectonic plates are moving, they are bumping into and against one another.
There are three different terms used to describe the way tectonic plates interact with one another: convergent boundaries, divergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.
Learn about convergent boundaries in this lesson.
The word converge means that things move or come together. Convergent boundaries occur when two plates move toward and bump into one another.
Typically, the denser plate will move on top of the less dense plate as the plates push into one another. The plate that slides to the bottom is melted by magma.
The effects of convergent boundaries vary depending on where the convergent boundary occurs. The plate pushed on top can form mountain ranges and valleys above water or ocean trenches below water.
Convergent plates also cause earthquakes above and below water.
Read about Convergent Plate Boundaries to learn more about their effects.
Look at the map above.
When you are ready, move on to the Got It? section to assess what you have learned.
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