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What are the main characteristic processes operating at destructive plate boundaries? A Opposing convection currents lead to the divergence of plates - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 5
What are the main characteristic processes operating at destructive plate boundaries? A Opposing convection currents lead to the divergence of plates. As plates pul... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What are the main characteristic processes operating at destructive plate boundaries? A Opposing convection currents lead to the divergence of plates - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Subduction occurs where two plates converge. Subduction can lead to the formation of features such as deep sea trenches and island arcs.
Answer
Destructive plate boundaries are characterized primarily by the process of subduction. This occurs when one tectonic plate moves under another and is forced into the mantle. As a result, several geological features are formed:
- Deep Sea Trenches: These are created when the oceanic plate subducts beneath another plate, leading to the formation of a trench in the ocean floor.
- Volcanic Arcs: The subduction process also contributes to volcanic activity, as the subducted plate melts and creates magma that rises to form volcanoes.
- Earthquakes: The collision and movement of the plates can generate significant seismic activity, leading to earthquakes.
Thus, the main processes at destructive plate boundaries revolve around subduction, leading to the development of deep-sea trenches and volcanic arcs.