Continental collision
Volcano Learning zone > Volcano Glossary
A continental collision zone occurs when two continental plates collide.When subduction of oceanic crust occurs continents are pulled together as the intervening ocean sinks back into the earths crust. Eventually the continental landmasses collide adn one is thrust under the other. Thrusting and folding occurs causing uplift and mountains such as the Himalayas and Alps.The mountains are made from the marine sediments which once lay between the continents prior to collision.The route of the mountain chain often melts and granie intrusion occurs.