When two continental plates collide at a convergent boundary, several geological processes and features are likely to occur:
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Mountain Building (Orogeny): The collision of two continental plates typically leads to the formation of mountain ranges. As the plates push against each other, the crust is uplifted and folded, resulting in significant elevations. Famous examples include the Himalayas, formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
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Faulting and Folding: The intense pressure from the collision may cause the rocks in the crust to fracture (faulting) and bend (folding). This can lead to complex geological formations and the development of faults.
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Seismic Activity: The stress accumulated from the collision can lead to earthquakes. These earthquakes are often concentrated along the boundaries of the plates where the strain is released.
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Metamorphism: The heat and pressure from the colliding plates can metamorphose existing rocks. This process changes the mineral composition and structure of the rocks, leading to the formation of metamorphic rocks.
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Limited Subduction: Unlike oceanic-continental or oceanic-oceanic convergent boundaries, where one plate is forced under the other (subduction), the collision of two continental plates generally does not result in significant subduction. Instead, both plates are buoyant, leading to a more horizontal compressional process.
Overall, the collision of two continental plates is a complex geological process that results in significant changes to the Earth's crust, including the creation of mountain ranges and increased seismic activity.