What kind of landform is formed by the collision of two oceanic plates?

Study for the Aquatic Science Plate Tectonics Test. Explore comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by insights and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

When two oceanic plates collide, they can create an island arc, which is characterized by a series of volcanic islands. This process occurs when one oceanic plate is subducted beneath the other, leading to melting of the mantle and the formation of magma. As this magma rises to the surface, it results in volcanic activity that creates islands.

Island arcs are typically found along convergent plate boundaries and are often situated in a curved shape, aligning with the edge of the colliding plates. This geological activity is a direct result of the tectonic processes occurring at these boundaries and is distinct from other landforms, such as mountain ranges that are usually formed from the collision of continental plates.

The other options do not accurately describe the specific landform resulting from the collision of oceanic plates. Mountain ranges are associated with continental collisions, volcanic islands may form from hotspots, and continental shelves are submerged extensions of continental landmasses rather than features formed by plate collisions.

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