The Differences between Convergent and Divergent Plate Boundaries

Convergent and divergent tectonic plate boundaries are two of the three main types of plate boundaries, along with transform boundaries. They represent two distinct ways in which tectonic plates interact and move, resulting in different geological features and processes.

Convergent Boundaries

Convergent boundaries occur when two tectonic plates move towards each other. This collision can lead to a variety of outcomes, depending on the type of plates involved and their relative motion.

Continental-Continental Collisions

Convergent Boundary - Continental-Continental Plates Collision

Continental-continental collisions: When two continental plates collide, the enormous force of the impact causes the Earth's crust to thicken and crumple, resulting in the formation of massive mountain ranges like the Himalayas. The Himalayas represent a prime example of continental-continental collision, with the Indian Plate pushing northward into the Eurasian Plate, creating a vast uplift of the Earth's crust.

Continental-Oceanic Collision

Convergent Boundary - Continental-Oceanic Plates Collision

Continental-oceanic collisions: When a continental plate collides with an oceanic plate, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the lighter continental plate in a process called subduction. As the oceanic plate descends into the Earth's mantle, it releases water and other volatile substances, which trigger the melting of the mantle above. This molten rock, or magma, rises to the surface, forming volcanic arcs, such as the Andes Mountains. The Andes Mountains, stretching along the western coast of South America, are a result of continental-oceanic collision, with the Nazca Plate subducting beneath the South American Plate. 

Oceanic-Oceanic Collisions  

Convergent Boundary - Oceanic-Oceanic Plates Collision

Oceanic-oceanic collisions: When two oceanic plates collide, one plate is often subducted beneath the other, forming an island arc, like the Mariana Islands. The subduction of the oceanic plate triggers the melting of mantle material, which rises to the surface and cools to form new oceanic crust. The Mariana Islands, with their deep ocean trenches and volcanic islands, exemplify the consequences of oceanic-oceanic collision.

Divergent Boundaries

Divergent boundaries, in contrast, are regions where two tectonic plates move away from each other, creating space for new oceanic crust to form. This process occurs primarily in the middle of oceans, at mid-ocean ridges. 

Divergent Boundary - Mid-Ocean Ridges

Mid-Ocean Ridges

Mid-ocean ridges: Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges that mark the boundaries of divergent plates. As the plates move apart, magma from the mantle rises up and cools to form new oceanic crust. This process continuously expands the ocean floor and creates a chain of underwater volcanoes. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, running along the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is a prominent example of a mid-ocean ridge system.

Continental Rifts

Continental rifts: Continental rifts are areas where continental plates are beginning to pull apart. These rifts can eventually lead to the formation of new oceans. The East African Rift Valley, stretching through eastern Africa, is a notable example of a continental rift, with the African Plate gradually splitting into two separate plates.

See Also: 

Types of Plate Boundaries

The Difference Between an Active and Passive Continental Margin 

What Is the Difference Between Oceanic Crust and Continental Crust?