In a collision zone, the motion of the tectonic plates is characterized by their movement toward one another. As both plates typically contain continental crust, they do not easily subduct due to their similar densities. Instead, when these plates collide, they buckle, fold, and thicken, leading to the formation of mountain ranges and other geological features. This process can also result in intense seismic activity due to the stresses that accumulate at the boundary as the plates exert pressure on one another. Overall, the motion in a collision zone involves horizontal compression and potential uplift.
Observe: Boundary B is an example of a convergent boundary, where two plates are moving toward one another. When the two converging plates both contain continental crust, it is called a collision zone. Click the left arrow four times to see how the plates move.
How would you describe the motion of plates in a collision zone?
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