GEOLOGIC PROCESSES THAT OCCUR ALONG CONVERGENT PLATE BOUNDARIES | SCIENCE 10 - Week 5

Summary

This educational video delves into the geological processes at convergent plate boundaries, where plates move towards each other. It explains three types of convergence: oceanic-continental, oceanic-oceanic, and continental-continental. Oceanic-continental convergence leads to subduction, forming volcanic arcs and ocean trenches. Oceanic-oceanic convergence results in island arcs and trenches, with potential tsunamis. Continental-continental convergence creates mountain ranges like the Himalayas, without subduction. The video is a comprehensive guide to the dynamic forces shaping our planet's surface.

Takeaways

• 🌏 There are three types of plate boundaries: convergent, divergent, and transform fold boundaries.
• 🔥 Convergent plate boundaries occur when plates move towards each other, resulting in three subtypes: oceanic-continental, oceanic-oceanic, and continental-continental convergence.
• 🌋 Oceanic-continental convergence involves a denser oceanic plate subducting beneath a less dense continental plate, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of a volcanic arc.
• 🌊 Ocean trenches, the deepest parts of the ocean, are formed by the subduction of oceanic plates, often associated with intense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• 🌄 Volcanic arcs are chains of volcanoes that form near the edge of a continental leading plate due to the subduction process.
• 🌎 Oceanic-oceanic convergence results in the formation of island arcs, which are lines of volcanoes that form on the upper oceanic plate parallel to the trench.
• 🌊 Tsunamis can be generated by underwater earthquakes that occur in oceanic-oceanic convergence zones, particularly when strong earthquakes cause large-scale ocean disturbances.
• ⛰ Continental-continental convergence leads to the formation of mountain ranges as the crust is pushed upward due to the inability of continental plates to subduct.
• 🏔 The Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, is a result of continental-continental convergence, showcasing the immense geological forces involved.
• 🌳 The Philippine archipelago is an example of a region formed by multiple incidents of subduction, creating a complex system of island arcs and highland sections.

Q & A

What are the three types of plate boundaries discussed in the video?

The three types of plate boundaries discussed in the video are convergent, divergent, and transform fold boundaries.

What is a convergent plate boundary?

A convergent plate boundary is a type of plate boundary that occurs when plates move towards each other and collide.

What are the three types of convergent plate boundaries mentioned in the video?

The three types of convergent plate boundaries mentioned are oceanic-continental convergence, oceanic-oceanic convergence, and continental-continental convergence.

What happens when an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate?

When an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate undergoes subduction, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of a volcanic arc.

What is subduction and how does it relate to the formation of volcanoes?

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another into the Earth's mantle. It leads to the formation of volcanoes as the subducted plate melts, forming magma that rises and can cause volcanic eruptions.

What is an ocean trench and how is it formed?

An ocean trench is a long, narrow depression on the seafloor created by the subducting oceanic plate. It is formed as a result of the subduction process during oceanic-continental convergence.

Why are most earthquake epicenters found along the boundaries of lithospheric plates?

Most earthquake epicenters are found along the boundaries of lithospheric plates because the continuous grinding of plates against each other in subduction zones leads to the occurrence of earthquakes.

What is an island arc and how does it form?

An island arc is a chain of volcanoes positioned in an arc shape, formed by the subduction of one oceanic plate beneath another, leading to volcanic activity on the upper plate.

How do converging oceanic plates contribute to the formation of the Philippine archipelago?

The Philippine archipelago is formed by several incidents of subduction, resulting in the formation of island arcs. These island arcs are collectively called the Philippine island arc system.

What is the result of converging two continental plates?

When two continental plates converge, a collision zone is formed, leading to the formation of mountain ranges. This process does not involve subduction, so no trenches, volcanoes, or island arcs are formed.

Which famous mountain range is a result of continental-continental convergence?

The Himalayan mountain range, which includes the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, is a result of continental-continental convergence.

Outlines

00:00

🌋 Convergent Plate Boundaries: Oceanic and Continental

This paragraph focuses on the geological processes that occur at convergent plate boundaries, specifically where oceanic and continental plates meet. When a denser oceanic plate collides with a less dense continental plate, subduction occurs. This is a process where the oceanic crust bends towards the Earth's mantle due to the difference in density. As the subducted crust is subjected to the heat of the mantle, it melts to form magma, which then rises and can lead to volcanic activity on the continental plate, resulting in the formation of a volcanic arc. Additionally, ocean trenches are formed as a result of the subducting oceanic plate, creating the deepest parts of the ocean. These subduction zones are characterized by intense seismic and volcanic activity, with earthquakes being a direct result of the grinding of plates against each other.

05:00

🌊 Oceanic-Oceanic Convergence and Tsunamis

The second paragraph delves into the processes and features formed when two oceanic plates converge. In such cases, the heavier oceanic plate subducts beneath the other, leading to the formation of a subduction zone. Similar to oceanic-continental convergence, the subducted material melts to form magma, which rises and forms volcanoes, creating an island arc on the upper plate. These island arcs are chains of volcanoes that form in an arc shape. The subduction process also leads to the formation of ocean trenches, which are sources of earthquakes. Notably, strong underwater earthquakes in these areas can generate tsunamis, which are long-wavelength ocean waves caused by large-scale disturbances. The Philippine archipelago serves as an example of regions formed by oceanic-oceanic convergence, with its many island arcs resulting from subduction events.

🏔 Continental-Continental Convergence and Mountain Formation

The final paragraph discusses the geological outcomes of two continental plates converging. Unlike the previous scenarios, where subduction is possible, continental plates cannot be subducted due to their similar densities. Instead, the collision results in a collision zone where the crust is pushed upward, forming mountain ranges. This type of convergence does not lead to the formation of trenches, volcanoes, or island arcs, as subduction does not occur. Instead, it results in the creation of some of the world's greatest mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, home to the highest peak, Mount Everest. The paragraph concludes by summarizing that in continental-continental convergence, the primary geological feature formed is a mountain range.

Keywords

💡Convergent Plate Boundary

A convergent plate boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other. This is a fundamental concept in the video, as it sets the stage for understanding the geological processes that occur when plates collide. The video explains that there are three types of convergent boundaries: oceanic-continental, oceanic-oceanic, and continental-continental. Each type results in different geological features such as subduction, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.

💡Subduction

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another, sinking into the Earth's mantle. This is a key process in the formation of various geological features at convergent plate boundaries. The video describes how, during oceanic-continental convergence, the denser oceanic plate subducts beneath the less dense continental plate, leading to the formation of magma and volcanic activity.

💡Volcanic Arc

A volcanic arc is a chain of volcanoes that form along the edge of a tectonic plate. The video explains that when an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate, magma rises to the surface, leading to the formation of a volcanic arc. This is exemplified by the many active volcanoes found near continental plate edges, such as those along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

💡Ocean Trench

An ocean trench is a long, narrow depression on the seafloor that forms as a result of subduction. The video mentions that ocean trenches are created by the subducting oceanic plates and are among the deepest parts of the ocean, such as the Philippine Trench and the Marianas Trench. These trenches are part of subduction zones, which are regions of high seismic and volcanic activity.

💡Subduction Zone

A subduction zone is the area where one tectonic plate moves under another, leading to the formation of geological features like volcanoes and ocean trenches. The video highlights that subduction zones are regions of intense geological activity, including frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, due to the grinding of plates against each other.

💡Island Arc

An island arc is a chain of islands formed by volcanic activity above a subduction zone. The video describes how, during oceanic-oceanic convergence, the subducted oceanic plate melts and forms magma that rises to create a line of volcanoes, resulting in an island arc. The Philippine archipelago is cited as an example of an island arc system formed by multiple subduction events.

💡Continental-Continental Convergence

Continental-continental convergence occurs when two continental plates collide. The video explains that, unlike oceanic-continental or oceanic-oceanic convergence, there is no subduction because continental plates are less dense and do not subduct. Instead, the collision results in the formation of mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, where the highest peak, Mount Everest, is located.

💡Mountain Range

A mountain range is a landform that features a series of mountains standing in a row or chain. The video discusses how, during continental-continental convergence, the immense pressure from the colliding plates forces the crust upward, creating tall mountain ranges. This process is responsible for the formation of some of the world's greatest mountain ranges, including the Himalayas.

💡Tsunami

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves with large wavelengths caused by large-scale disturbances, such as underwater earthquakes. The video mentions that tsunamis can be generated by strong earthquakes that occur in subduction zones, particularly those associated with oceanic-oceanic convergence. The term originates from the Japanese language and refers to 'harbor wave,' highlighting the waves' potential to cause significant damage when they reach coastal areas.

💡Geologic Features

Geologic features are natural formations resulting from geological processes. The video details how different types of convergent plate boundaries lead to the formation of distinct geologic features, such as volcanoes, ocean trenches, volcanic arcs, and mountain ranges. These features are the result of processes like subduction, magma formation, and crustal uplift, which are central to the video's exploration of plate tectonics.

Highlights

Convergent plate boundaries occur when plates move towards each other.

There are three types of convergent plate boundaries: oceanic-continental, oceanic-oceanic, and continental-continental.

Oceanic-continental convergence involves a denser oceanic plate colliding with a less dense continental plate.

Subduction is the process where the oceanic crust bends towards the Earth's mantle during oceanic-continental convergence.

Magma forms as the subducted oceanic crust melts due to the heat of the mantle.

Volcanic arcs are created when magma rises and causes volcanic activity on the continental plate.

Ocean trenches are long, narrow depressions on the seafloor formed by subducting oceanic plates.

Subduction zones are regions of intense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Earthquakes in subduction zones are due to the grinding of plates against each other.

Oceanic-oceanic convergence occurs when two oceanic plates collide.

Island arcs are chains of volcanoes formed on the upper oceanic plate during oceanic-oceanic convergence.

Tsunamis can be generated by underwater earthquakes caused by oceanic-oceanic convergence.

The Philippine archipelago is composed of many island arcs formed by subduction.

Continental-continental convergence happens when two continental plates collide, forming mountain ranges.

The Himalayan Mountains, including Mount Everest, were formed by the convergence of two continental plates.

No subduction, volcanoes, ocean trenches, or island arcs are formed during continental-continental convergence.

Mountain ranges are the primary geological feature resulting from continental-continental convergence.

Transcripts

hello great then

welcome in this video let's talk about

the processes that will core in the

different types of converging plate

boundaries

[Music]

our discussion will focus on the

learning competency

explain the different processes that

occur along the plate boundaries

previously you learned that there are

three types of plate boundaries produced

when plate tectonics occur

these are convergent divergent and the

transform fold boundary

today's lesson will focus on one and

that is convergent plate boundary

which happens when cross come together

or move towards

each other as you can see in the arrows

shown in the illustration

there are three types of convergent

plate boundaries

we have the oceanic continental

convergence ushani koshani convergence

and the continental continental

convergence

[Music]

now let's start with lesson one

converging oceanic and continental

plates

this type of convergent plate boundary

happens when a denser oceanic plate

collide with a less dense continental

plate

now what are the geologic processes and

features

formed by converging oceanic plate and

continental plate

when collision happens the denser

oceanic crust

undergoes what we call subduction

process

subduction refers to the bending of the

crust towards the mantle of the earth

since the mantle is hotter than the

crust the tendency is

the subducted grass melt forming magma

a molten material found beneath the

surface of the earth

the magma become less dense allowing it

to rise and reach the crust

and causing volcanic activities on the

continental leading plate

this event gives rise to the formation

of a volcanic ark

this is why most surface volcanoes are

found near the edge of a continental

leading plate

and this is also the reason why most of

the active volcanoes in the world are

located

along the plate boundaries another

geologic features

formed by subduction process are the

ocean trenches

ocean trench is a long narrow

depressions on the seafloor created by

the subducting oceanic plates

ocean trenches occupy the deepest layer

of the ocean like the philippine trench

and the marianas trench

this entire region is known as a

subduction zone

subduction zones have a lot of intense

earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

the continuous grinding of plates

against each other in the subduction

zone leads to the occurrence of

earthquakes

earthquakes produced in the subduction

zone is the reason why most earthquake

epicenters

are found along the boundaries of the

lithospheric plates

to sum it up subduction process leads to

the formation of the following geologic

features

volcano ocean trench and volcanic ark

the grinding of plates produce

earthquakes

and that's the end of lesson one now

let's discuss

lesson two converging to oceanic plates

this type of convergence happens when an

oceanic crust

collides with another oceanic crust

now what are the geologic processes and

features

formed by converging two oceanic plates

in oceanic oceanic convergence the

heavier oceanic plate subducts beneath

the

other oceanic plates also creating

subduction zone

the features of a subduction zone are

the same with the oceanic continental

subduction zone

the subducted material also melts and

forms magma

and rises towards the surface of the

ocean forming volcanoes

in this case the line of volcanoes that

grows on the upper oceanic plate

parallel to the trench

is called an island arc

a volcanic island arc is a chain of

volcanoes positioned in an

arc shape as you can see in the

illustration

converging oceanic plates will also

cause formation of trenches

and these trenches will become sources

of earthquakes

underwater earthquakes especially the

stronger ones can generate tsunamis

a japanese term for harbor wave this is

a series of

ocean waves with a very long wavelengths

caused by the large scale disturbances

of the ocean some parts of the

philippines originate from oceanic

oceanic convergence

the territory of the philippines is

composed of many

island arcs formed by several incidents

of subduction

the island arcs are collectively called

philippine island arc system

majority of the islands in the

philippine archipelago are considered as

part of the philippine mobile belt

these islands were formed 65 million

years ago at the southern edge of the

philippine sea plate

other parts of the philippines such as

palawan mendoro and the zamboanga

peninsula

are all highland sections of the

sunderland block of the eurasian plate

the philippine mobile belt eventually

collided with the sunderland block

which explains the presence of trenches

coming up our lesson oceanic oceanic

convergence

also creates subduction process which

leads to the formation of the following

geologic features

volcano ocean trench and volcanic island

arc

the grinding of plates produce

earthquakes which can cause tsunamis

now let's proceed with lesson three

converging two continental plates

this type of convergence happens when a

continental plate collides with another

continental plate

what are the geologic processes and

features formed by converging two

continental plates

when two continental plates converge a

collision zone is

formed since abduction

is impossible between two colliding

continental plates

pressure is released by pushing the

crust upward

forming mountains

since abduction ceases for this

particular type of convergence

no trench no volcano no island arts are

formed

what is created is a large group of tall

mountains

called mountain ranges

the convergence of two continental

plates leads to the formation of the

greatest mountain ranges

in the world including the himalayan

mountains

where the highest mountain the mount

everest is

[Music]

located

[Music]

therefore mounting ranges in the world

are products of converging

two continental plates

to sum it up in continental continental

convergence

no subduction process takes place

therefore

no volcano no ocean trench and no island

arcs are

formed what is created is a mountain

range

and that ends our lesson congratulations

thank you for watching

you