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When two plates collide, one plate (the heavier, denser plate) is subducted beneath the other plate. This plate contains volatiles, such as water. As the subducting plate is buried, it heats up, and the volatiles contained within the crust evaporate into the mantle above. The mantle is not molten in most places, as many people believe. Instead, it is solid but slightly flexible, like frozen cookie dough. When volatiles are added to the mantle, its melting temperature is decreased, and that area melts. This melted portion of mantle is lower in density, and rises through the overlying mantle to the surface, where it erupts in the form of a volcano.
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LaoConvergent plate boundaries have volcanoes because one plate is being forced beneath another plate, a process known as subduction. As the subducting plate moves deeper into the mantle, it melts and creates magma that rises to the surface, causing volcanic activity. Additionally, the collision of the two plates can also generate magma and lead to volcanic eruptions.
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Is Mount Vesuvius near a hot spot divergent or convergent plate boundary?
Vesuvius is associated with a convergent boundary between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
Where most volcanoes are located compared to where plate boundaries are located?
Most volcanoes are located along tectonic plate boundaries, particularly at convergent and divergent boundaries. At convergent boundaries, one plate subducts beneath another, leading to magma formation and volcanic activity. At divergent boundaries, plates pull apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, often resulting in volcanic eruptions. Additionally, some volcanoes, known as hotspot volcanoes, can form away from plate boundaries due to mantle plumes.
What kinds of volcanoes form on converging plate boundaries?
Volcanoes that form on converging plate boundaries are typically stratovolcanoes or composite volcanoes. These volcanoes are formed by the subduction of one tectonic plate beneath another, leading to the formation of a volcanic arc and explosive eruptions due to the melting of the subducted plate. Examples include the Cascade Range in the U.S. and the Andes in South America.
Which type of plate boundaries produce volcanoes?
Continental and Oceanic plates.
Why are most volcanoes located near a fault?
Most volcanoes form at either convergent or divergent plate boundaries. Volcanoes at convergent plate boundaries form when one plate slides under another, taking seawater with it. This causes the rock in the mantle to melt as the melting point drops. This new magma can rise to form volcanoes.At divergent plate boundaries the crust is thing, which lowers pressure on the mantle, causing some material to melt.
