What type of boundary occurs between two seafloor plates that creates volcanic islands and large earthquakes?

Prepare for the WGU SCIE1020 C165 Integrated Physical Sciences Exam. Study with effective resources and multiple choice questions that offer hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and knowledge for the exam!

The type of boundary that occurs between two seafloor plates, where volcanic islands and large earthquakes are created, is an oceanic to oceanic boundary. At this boundary, one oceanic plate is typically forced under another in a process known as subduction. This subduction can lead to the formation of volcanic arcs, which are chains of volcanic islands that emerge from the ocean floor as a result of melting of the subducted plate.

As the subducted plate descends, it creates significant geological stress that can result in large earthquakes along the trench formed at the convergence point of the two oceanic plates. These phenomena are frequently observed in regions such as the Aleutian Islands in Alaska or the Tonga Trench, where these dynamics are in action.

This understanding highlights the relationship between plate tectonics and geological features, illustrating how interactions at different types of boundaries lead to distinct geological outcomes, such as volcanic activity and seismic events.

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