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Types of convergent plate boundaries

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The book that is being used is The Essentials of Oceanography (5th ed) 4 questions.

1. Compare three types of convergent plate boundaries (oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, and continental-continental) and describe what happens at each. Provide specific geographic examples.

2. What are the distributions of siliceous ooze and calcareous ooze and what are the causes of these distributions?

3. What are the major features in an ocean basin with a passive continental margin? Describe the processes which formed them. Compare these features to ocean basins with active margins.

4. Describe several properties of water. How are the properties significant for oceanography?

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Solution Summary

Comparison of convergent plate boundaries, distribution of oozes, and features of ocean basins with passive margins.

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Convergent plate boundaries are classified by the types of crustal plates involved. Since there are two kinds of crustal plates (oceanic and continental) there are three types of plate boundaries. The key to understanding what happens at each is to remember that oceanic crust is denser and thinner than continental. Therefore, when the two different types meet, the oceanic crust will be subducted beneath the continental. Such a plate boundary occurs along the west coast of South America.

When two similar types of crust meet, one must still be subducted. However, in the case of continental crust, both pieces are buoyant and resist subduction. The result is mountain ranges and earthquakes. This is the case along the Himalayas. When oceanic crusts collide, it is generally the older oceanic crust that is subducted because it is colder and slightly denser. As the subducted slab descends, its temperature increases and magma is formed. This moves upward wand forms chains of ...

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