Question

what happens at a convergent boundary involving an oceanic plate and a continental plate? the plates move apart, creating a rift valley. the continental plate subducts under the oceanic plate. the plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes. the oceanic plate subducts under the continental plate.

Explanation:

Oceanic plates are denser than continental plates. At a convergent boundary (where plates move towards each other), the denser oceanic plate subducts (is forced beneath) the less - dense continental plate. This is due to differences in density.

• The first option ("The plates move apart, creating a rift valley") describes a divergent boundary, not a convergent one.
• The second option ("The continental plate subducts under the oceanic plate") is incorrect because continental plates are less dense and do not subduct under oceanic plates.
• The third option ("The plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes") describes a transform boundary.

Answer:

The oceanic plate subducts under the continental plate.