A row of 4 diagrams, each labeled with a letter and caption. Choice A: Two plates are hitting each other, and the plates are breaking into pieces, creating sand. Choice B: Two plates are pushing against each other, causing the edges to bend upward. Choice C: One plate is going underneath the other plate and sinking into the soft rock below. Choice D: One plate is going underneath the other plate and sinking into the ocean below.

Question

5. Dr. Steiner and her team have been using GPS to track two plates that are moving toward each other. Which diagram shows what is happening at the place where the plates are moving toward each other?
Responses

a
Diagram A: Two plates are hitting each other, and the plates are breaking into pieces, creating sand.
Diagram A: Two plates are hitting each other, and the plates are breaking into pieces, creating sand.

b
Diagram B: Two plates are pushing against each other, causing the edges to bend upward.
Diagram B: Two plates are pushing against each other, causing the edges to bend upward.

c
Diagram C: One plate is going underneath the other plate and sinking into the soft rock below.
Diagram C: One plate is going underneath the other plate and sinking into the soft rock below.

d
Diagram D: One plate is going underneath the other plate and sinking into the ocean below.
Diagram D: One plate is going underneath the other plate and sinking into the ocean below.
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Answer 1

The correct answer to the question regarding the interaction of two tectonic plates moving toward each other is:

b Diagram B: Two plates are pushing against each other, causing the edges to bend upward.

This scenario typically represents a convergent boundary, where two continental plates or a continental and an oceanic plate collide, leading to the formation of features like mountain ranges or deep ocean trenches depending on their nature. The upward bending can indicate the formation of mountains, which is common in such interactions.