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What happens when tectonic plates collide against each other?

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That depends on the angle and speed. When there is a sideways component then earthquakes are to be expected. Any opposing component and something needs to give way. read more

Tectonic plate movements happen in slow motion, generally. A “collision” between tectonic plates could be demonstrated in its initial phase by two sumo wrestlers who agree to lean against each other then mutually lean more heavily into each other over time, i.e. an increase in pressure between the plates without anything cataclysmic occurring. read more

Depending on the type of plates that collide, they either lift or subduct. When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, it typically slides underneath it. If two like plates collide, they crush together at the collision point and lift up broken material from both plates. read more

• When two plates slide past each other, they create a transform fault, like the San Andreas fault. Earthquakes can happen in any of these situations. Despite the powerful forces driving plate movement, the plates themselves spend much of the time locked in place by the friction of the plates rubbing against each other. read more

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