Convergent Boundaries

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

You have probably noticed that there are not giant gaps all over the planet between all the earth’s tectonic plates. That means when tectonic plates are moving, they are bumping into and against one another.

There are three different terms used to describe the way tectonic plates interact with one another: convergent boundaries, divergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.

Learn about convergent boundaries in this lesson.

The word converge means that things move or come together. Convergent boundaries occur when two plates move toward and bump into one another.

Typically, the denser plate will move on top of the less dense plate as the plates push into one another. The plate that slides to the bottom is melted by magma.

The effects of convergent boundaries vary depending on where the convergent boundary occurs. The plate pushed on top can form mountain ranges and valleys above water or ocean trenches below water.

Convergent plates also cause earthquakes above and below water.

Read about Convergent Plate Boundaries to learn more about their effects.

Look at the map above.

• Where do you see examples of convergent boundaries?
• Is there an increase in earthquakes in these locations?
• Do you live near a convergent boundary?

When you are ready, move on to the Got It? section to assess what you have learned.