Convergent Continental/Continental

Question 1

Why is there not much subduction at a continental/continental convergence

Answer 1

The plates forming the continental crust have a much lower density than the underlying layers, so there is not much subduction where they meet.

Question 2

What happens at a continental/continental convergence

Answer 2

As the plates move towards each other, their edges and the sediments between them are forced up into fold mountains.

Question 3

Is there volcanic activity at a continental/continental convergence

Answer 3

No

Question 4

What can the movement of the two continental plates trigger

Answer 4

Shallow-focus earthquakes. Material is also forced downwards to form deep mountain roots.

Question 5

Best example of a continental/continental convergence

Answer 5

Where the Indo-Australian plate is being faced northwards into the Eurasian plate. The previous intervening ocean, known as the Sea of Tethys, has had its sediments forced upwards in large overfolds to form the Himalayas, an uplift that is continuing today.

Question 6

Facts about the Himalayan range of fold mountains

Answer 6

• containing the highest mountain on the planet (Mt Everest 8,848m)
• up to 350km wide
• extends for 3,000km