Volcanoes and mountains are found at what plate boundaries? Check the 2, boundaries that apply.
Volcanoes and mountains are commonly found at two types of plate boundaries: convergent boundaries and divergent boundaries.
1. Convergent Boundaries: At convergent boundaries, two tectonic plates collide with each other. There are three types of convergent boundaries:
a) Oceanic-Continental Convergence: When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is subducted (goes beneath) the less dense continental plate. This subduction creates a trench and can result in the formation of a volcanic arc and mountain ranges. An example of this is the Andes Mountains in South America.
b) Oceanic-Oceanic Convergence: When two oceanic plates collide, one is typically subducted beneath the other. This subduction can lead to the formation of volcanic island arcs. The Aleutian Islands in Alaska are an example of an oceanic-oceanic convergence.
c) Continental-Continental Convergence: When two continental plates collide, neither subducts because they have similar densities. As a result, the collision causes the crust to be thickened and uplifted, forming large mountain ranges. The Himalayas in Asia are an example of continental-continental convergence.
2. Divergent Boundaries: At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other. This movement causes the underlying mantle to rise and melt, resulting in the formation of magma that can erupt as volcanic activity. The magma solidifies and forms new crust, creating mountains. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of a divergent boundary, where volcanic activity and mountain formation occur beneath the ocean.
To summarize, the plate boundaries where volcanoes and mountains are commonly found are convergent boundaries (specifically oceanic-continental, oceanic-oceanic, and continental-continental) and divergent boundaries.