Which boundary is characterized by two plates moving toward each other, leading to subduction of one plate?

Which boundary is characterized by two plates moving toward each other, leading to subduction of one plate?

• A. Transform boundary
• B. Divergent boundary
• C. Ridge boundary
• D. Convergent boundary

Answer: (D)

When two tectonic plates move toward each other, they form a convergent boundary, where one plate is forced down into the mantle in a process called subduction. This subduction creates features such as deep ocean trenches and volcanic activity, with the specific outcomes depending on which plates meet: oceanic crust subducting beneath continental crust often builds continental volcanic arcs, while oceanic subduction beneath oceanic crust forms island arcs. The other boundary types don’t involve this sinking: transform boundaries have plates sliding past one another, divergent boundaries have plates moving apart with new crust forming at mid-ocean ridges, and a ridge-related setting is tied to divergence rather than subduction.

When two tectonic plates move toward each other, they form a convergent boundary, where one plate is forced down into the mantle in a process called subduction. This subduction creates features such as deep ocean trenches and volcanic activity, with the specific outcomes depending on which plates meet: oceanic crust subducting beneath continental crust often builds continental volcanic arcs, while oceanic subduction beneath oceanic crust forms island arcs. The other boundary types don’t involve this sinking: transform boundaries have plates sliding past one another, divergent boundaries have plates moving apart with new crust forming at mid-ocean ridges, and a ridge-related setting is tied to divergence rather than subduction.