At convergent plate boundaries, two lithospheric plates move toward each other. One plate is forced under the other (subduction), or two continental plates collide.

Typical consequences are strong earthquakes and intense volcanism, as crust is melted and magma can rise.

 

The Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate. This creates the Andes and numerous volcanoes. In subduction zones like the Pacific Ring of Fire, strong earthquakes and explosive volcanic eruptions are frequent.