What happens at a convergent boundary?

Convergent plate boundaries are usually characterized by the convergent motion of the tectonic plates and the formation of a subduction zone, deep sea-oceanic trenches.

When the plates move towards each other, there forms a subduction zone where the denser plate goes below the lighter one. This subduction zone is basically identified by the presence of a narrow V-shaped type of depression, which is commonly known as the trench.

As the denser plate subducts into the layer of the asthenosphere, the rocks undergo partial melting and mixes with the magma. This magma is then brought upward into the over-riding plate, giving rise to the formation of volcanoes.

This type of plate boundary is responsible for the occurrence of deep-focus earthquakes.