What happens when two plates with similar density meet along a convergent boundary?

What happens when two plates with similar density meet along a convergent boundary?

• A. They glide past each other
• B. One plate subducts
• C. They melt completely
• D. They may create mountain ranges or uplift

Answer: (C)

When two plates with similar density collide at a convergent boundary, neither sinks easily, so the compression crumples and thickens the crust. This uplift builds mountain ranges as the crust is pushed upward and deformed, rather than melting away or sliding past each other. While melting can occur under certain conditions, the typical outcome of a similar-density continental collision is crustal thickening and uplift (mountain building), as illustrated by mountains formed from continental collision like the Himalayas.

When two plates with similar density collide at a convergent boundary, neither sinks easily, so the compression crumples and thickens the crust. This uplift builds mountain ranges as the crust is pushed upward and deformed, rather than melting away or sliding past each other. While melting can occur under certain conditions, the typical outcome of a similar-density continental collision is crustal thickening and uplift (mountain building), as illustrated by mountains formed from continental collision like the Himalayas.