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

3573 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain and describe the formation of constructive plate boundaries and a landform associated with them.


What glacial processes change landscapes?


For a large-scale water management project, describe one cost and one benefit.


What factors influence development?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning