What happens at a destructive plate boundary where two oceanic plates converge (come together)?

Two oceanic plates are converging and the faster moving or slightly denser one subducts. The basaltic rock of the subducted plate starts to melt and rises through the mantle to form a submarine volcano. Overtime, the submarine volcano builds up in layers and can eventually break through the surface of the ocean to become a volcanic island. An example of this is Guam, the US territory on the western side of the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Plate is being subducted beneath the smaller Philippine Plate.  

Answered by Geography tutor

5246 Views

See similar Geography A Level tutors

Related Geography A Level answers

All answers ▸

With reference to two volcanic events that you have studied from contrasting areas of the world, compare the ways in which volcanoes and their hazards have been managed.


Explain the formation of a waterfall.


how do I write an essay including a case study effectively


How can membership of IGO’s gives some countries political and economic power?


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