The geologic processes or events that will occur because of the convergence of two oceanic plates are:
- Subduction: This is the process by which one oceanic plate slides under another oceanic plate. The subducting plate melts and forms magma, which can then rise to the surface and erupt, forming volcanoes.
- Orogeny: This is the process of mountain building. When two plates collide, they crumple and fold, forming mountains.
- Deep-sea trench: This is a long, narrow depression in the ocean floor that is formed where one plate subducts beneath another plate.
The convergent boundary of two oceanic plates is also known as a subduction zone. The subducting plate is always the denser of the two plates. The oceanic crust is denser than the continental crust, so when an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the oceanic plate always subducts.
The magma that rises from the subducting plate can form volcanoes on the overriding plate. These volcanoes can be either active or inactive. The Mariana Trench is an example of a deep-sea trench that is formed at a subduction zone.
The convergence of two oceanic plates can also cause earthquakes. This is because the plates are constantly moving, and when they collide, they grind against each other. This friction can cause the plates to break, releasing energy in the form of an earthquake.
The geologic processes that occur at a subduction zone can have a significant impact on the Earth’s surface. They can cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building. They can also change the shape of the ocean floor and the location of continents.
