Proposed studies derived from these questions target on (1) the dynamics of active subduction and collision zones, with focus on the seismogenic zone at the plate interface, and the distribution of deformation and seismicity in general, (2) the role of mantle plumes in orogeny, (3) supra-subduction magmatism in arc systems, (4) the geological manifestation of deep subduction and exhumation of the lithosphere, and (5) aspects relating to continental birth and growth through Earth history. The set of scientific questions identified here is rooted in the plate tectonic paradigm of a dynamic Earth. In-depth understanding of dynamic Earthprocesses at convergent and collisional plate boundaries is not possible without scientific drilling embedded into integrated research programmes. These zones host the vast majority of modern megacities and industrial installations on Planet Earth, and at the same time are loci of major earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and other associated great natural threats to human life and to economies.

Instead, a collision between two continental plates crunches and folds the rock at the boundary, lifting it up and leading to the formation of mountains and mountain ranges.Within the framework of the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) we propose a comprehensive initiative to drill the continental crust bordering modern and ancient convergent and collisional plate boundaries. What happens when two continental plates collide? Because the rock making up continental plates is generally lighter and less dense than oceanic rock, it is too light to get pulled under the earth and turned into magma. If the wave reaches land, it can cause incredible destruction, like the Asian Tsunami, which killed more than 200,000 people in 11 countries across the Indian Ocean region in December 2004. A tsunami is a huge ocean wave caused by a sudden shift on the ocean floor, such as an undersea earthquake. Earthquakes generated in a subduction zone can also give rise to tsunamis. Since the collision and subduction of plates is not a smooth process, large, powerful earthquakes are another phenomenon that result from this type of interaction. Examples include the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific Ocean and the Aleutian Islands, off the coast of Alaska. Illustration depicting how island arcs are formed.Ī subduction zone is also generated when two oceanic plates collide - the older plate is forced under the younger one - and it leads to the formation of chains of volcanic islands known as island arcs. An example of this is the band of active volcanoes that encircle the Pacific Ocean, often referred to as the Ring of Fire. When this magma finds its way to the surface through a vent in the crust, the volcano erupts, expelling lava and ash. The magma formed at a subduction zone rises up toward the earth's surface and builds up in magma chambers, where it feeds and creates volcanoes on the overriding plate.

Convergent boundary definition