Convergent boundaries are areas where two tectonic plates are colliding with each other. When these plates collide, one plate is forced beneath the other in a process known as subduction. As the subducting plate sinks into the mantle, it heats up and releases water and gases that rise into the overlying plate. This process can lead to the melting of rock in the mantle, forming magma that eventually rises to the surface and erupts as volcanoes.
The magma that reaches the surface can be rich in silica and gas, making it highly explosive. This, combined with the intense pressure and heat generated at convergent boundaries, can result in the formation of explosive stratovolcanoes. These types of volcanoes are typically characterized by steep-sided cones and violent eruptions.
In addition to volcanic activity, convergent boundaries are also associated with other geological phenomena such as earthquakes and mountain formation. The collision of tectonic plates at these boundaries can cause intense stress and pressure to build up, leading to seismic activity and the formation of mountain ranges.
Why do convergent boundaries cause the formation of volcanoes
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