With an example, describe what is meant by a destructive plate boundary and what feature (s) may form as a result.

A destructive plate boundary exists when a continental and oceanic plate boundary meet. The oceanic plate descends underneath the oceanic plate as it is denser.  The build-up of friction between the two plates results in the oceanic plate melting into liquid rock (magma). The pressure causes the magma to rise through faults in the continental plate and forms volcanoes. An example of a destructive plate boundary is where the Nazca plate is forced under the South American Plate.

MH
Answered by Michael H. Geography tutor

3120 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain what is meant by a sense of place?


Describe and explain the formation of a meander


Describe the primary and secondary effects of an earthquake. (4 marks)


Describe the differences between the oceanic and continental crust.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning