Oceanic convergence occurs when two oceanic plates collide. This process often leads to the formation of volcanic island arcs and deep-sea trenches.
Here are some examples of oceanic convergence:
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Aleutian Islands: This is a classic example of an oceanic-oceanic convergent boundary. The Pacific Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate, leading to volcanism and the formation of the Aleutian Island arc.
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Mariana Islands: Here, the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Mariana Plate. This convergence is responsible for the formation of the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world's oceans, and the Mariana Islands.
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Philippine Islands: The Philippine Sea Plate converges with the Eurasian Plate (or fragments thereof), resulting in a complex tectonic setting characterized by multiple subduction zones, the Philippine Trench, and numerous volcanic islands.
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Lesser Antilles: The North American Plate subducts beneath the Caribbean Plate, forming a volcanic island arc known as the Lesser Antilles.
Oceanic convergence creates fascinating geological features and is a key process in plate tectonics, constantly reshaping the Earth's surface.
