Convergent boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move toward each other. The collision causes one plate to descend beneath another or brings continental crust into collision.

Subduction: The descent of one tectonic plate beneath another into the mantle at a convergent boundary. It is the main process where an oceanic plate meets another plate.
Tectonic plate: A large, rigid section of Earth's lithosphere that moves over the underlying mantle. Convergent boundaries are defined by the relative motion of two plates.
Andes: A mountain range along western South America, built largely through subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath South America. This continental margin combines an oceanic trench, earthquakes, and a volcanic mountain belt.
Divergent boundary: A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move apart and new lithosphere commonly forms. It is the opposite motion: plates separate rather than converge.
Megathrust earthquake: A large earthquake on the shallow fault where a subducting plate meets the overriding plate. Locked portions of this interface can release enormous earthquakes.
Continental collision: The convergence of two continental plates, thickening and deforming their crust. It occurs when subduction brings buoyant continental crust into contact.
Lithosphere: Earth's rigid outer layer, comprising the crust and uppermost mantle. The plates that meet at this boundary are pieces of the lithosphere.
Japan Trench: A deep-ocean trench east of Japan, where the Pacific Plate descends beneath the island arc. It marks a major oceanic subduction boundary with powerful earthquakes.
Transform boundary: A tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide horizontally past one another. Its lateral motion contrasts with the inward motion at a convergent boundary.
Tsunami: A series of long-wavelength sea waves generated by sudden displacement of water. Vertical seafloor movement during a subduction earthquake can trigger one.

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