Destructive plate boundaries occur where an oceanic plate subducts under a continental plate. As the oceanic plate descends it starts to melt from friction, forming magma. This magma can rise to the surface and form volcanoes. Examples of destructive plate boundaries include the Andes Mountains, formed by the subduction of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate. Living in areas near destructive plate boundaries poses challenges from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

2. A destructive plate boundary is found where a continental plate meets an oceanic plate. The oceanic plate descends under the continental plate because it is denser. As the plate descends it starts to melt due to the friction caused by the movement between the plates. This melted plate is now hot, liquid rock (magma). The magma rises through the gaps in the continental plate. If it reaches the surface, the liquid rock forms a volcano. Destructive plate boundary

3. Destructive plate boundary

4. THE FORMATION OF THE ANDES 1. 2. 3. 4.

5. THE DOMINO EFFECT: WHAT HAPPENS AT A DESTRUCTIVE PLATE BOUNDARY?

6. In a subduction zone, the oceanic crust melts as it pushes down into the mantle, forming a deep ocean trench. The continental crust is crumpled into fold mountains. The heavier oceanic crust pushes beneath the lighter continental crust . The Nazca Plate (oceanic crust) is being pushed towards the South American Plate (continental crust). This process is called subduction Because crust is lost, or destroyed, in this process it is known as a destructive boundary . Earthquakes and volcanoes occur here THE DOMINO EFFECT: WHAT HAPPENS AT A DESTRUCTIVE PLATE BOUNDARY?

9. The November 13, 1985 lahar from Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia -- After travelling over 70 kilometers from the summit of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, this destructive lahar buried the village of Armero at the mouth of the River Lagunillas canyon, which was located in the center of this photograph. The lahar killed over 23,000 people, most of which were from Armero. Courtesy of J. Marso, USGS.