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

5377 Views

See similar Geography A Level tutors

Related Geography A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline the impact of temperature variation on weathering processes in hot deserts.


Describe the formation of hotspots and explain their relationship to plate movement.


Explain the processes involved in the formation of a waterfall.


Using examples, outline the differences between the activity and resultant landforms at Convergent Continental/Continental plate boundaries and Convergent Continental/Oceanic plate boundaries


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