Sci Rev

Processes and Landforms Along Plate Boundaries
Processes and Landforms Along Convergent Boundary
When an oceanic crust converges with a continental crust, a crack

between the crusts underwater, called trench, is formed. Since the oceanic
crust has greater mass due to the presence of water on it, so, its density also
is greater. This causes it to dive down or subduct under the overriding plate,
the continental plate. Subduction is the process by which a plate dives under
a less dense plate. At the mantle, the leading edge of the subducting plate
melts or becomes fluid. It turns into a hot molten material which we call
magma. Due to the heat in the mantle, the magma builds up a pressure that
enables it to push the ground above it. The column of rising magma is called
a mantle plume. When there is volcanic activity such as an eruption, the
ground moves, and so an earthquake is felt. Because subduction continues, a
group of volcanoes, called volcanic arc, is formed at the surface of the
continental crust along the boundary where the two crusts converged. The
movement of the ground may cause a disturbance in the ocean. The water
may flip or kick upwards to a few meters high. This is what we call
tsunamis, a Japanese term for harbor wave. This event is very dangerous
when it moves inland, destroying lives and properties.
In the convergence between two oceanic crusts, one dives or subducts
under the other.
The figure below shows two crusts underwater, so they are both
oceanic crusts. You must have noticed that there is a boundary line between
the crusts—a trench. It is a crack on the crust which is underwater.
The convergence of two oceanic crusts results in some similar events

compared to the first type of convergence. Tsunamis may be formed.
Earthquakes may happen. There is also subduction because one plate is
denser than the other. The front part of the subducting plate becomes magma
upon reaching the mantle. Then it builds up pressure due to heat, pushes the
crust above it, forming a volcano. This is a continuous process. Since the
plates are moving, the volcano will move with the plate. It becomes extinct
when it is no longer above the magma deposit in the mantle. A new volcano
will then be formed. This series of volcanoes is called volcanic island arc
since it is surrounded by water.
This explains why the Philippines is mostly loaded with volcanoes.
The different Islands were believed to have originated from the convergence
of two oceanic crusts.
Converging continental crusts or plates result in a collision zone,

which could cause shallow earthquakes. At that place, a crack called fault is
formed. This type of convergence will cause no subduction since the two
plates have the same densities. There would be no volcanoes formed, no
tsunamis. The C convergence will result in a group of high landforms that we
call mountain ranges.
Processes and Landforms Along Divergent Boundary
Divergent plate boundaries mostly happen under the oceans. As

plates pull away from each other, a vertical space that may extend deep down
into the lowest layer of the crust is created. It is a rift valley. The force of
separation creates a tension zone. A shallow earthquake may happen with
this plate movement.
Plate divergence is believed to be a slow continuous process. As the
plates move away, the gap between them increases. While this happens,
materials from the mantle may rise, filling up the space. These materials pile
up near the tension zone forming mountain-like structures called oceanic
ridges. But new materials from the mantle may push the old ones. The filled-
up space between the plates becomes a new seafloor. This process is known
as seafloor spreading.
Processes and Landforms Along Transform Fault Boundary
Transform fault boundary is mostly found in oceans, but there are few that
traverse through continental crust.
This is characterized by plates moving horizontally against cach other,
producing a crack called fault on the ground. The force, the plates exert can
break the rocks and other materials under the ground. The shaking usually
ends abruptly. This is why it brings about strong earthquakes. The fault could
swallow humans, cars, and buildings. Murky odorous water from under the
ground may spring up from the fault. Most faults do not totally close when
the shaking ceases since the adjoining edges have already moved farther
from each other.

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Processes and Landforms Along Plate Boundaries

Processes and Landforms Along Convergent Boundary

When an oceanic crust converges with a continental crust, a crack

The convergence of two oceanic crusts results in some similar events

Converging continental crusts or plates result in a collision zone,

Divergent plate boundaries mostly happen under the oceans. As

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