What happens at a convergent boundary?

At a convergent boundary, one tectonic plate slides beneath another in a process known as subduction. This occurs when two plates converge and the denser oceanic plate is forced downward into the mantle beneath the lighter continental plate or another oceanic plate. This interaction can lead to a variety of geological phenomena, including the formation of mountain ranges, volcanic activity, and earthquakes. The downward movement of the subducted plate causes significant geological changes in the surrounding area, contributing to the dynamic nature of Earth's crust. In contrast, movement apart or sliding past each other is characteristic of other types of plate boundaries, such as divergent and transform boundaries. The idea of the plates remaining stationary does not apply to convergent boundaries, as they are defined by active interactions between tectonic plates.