Do you know which plate pushes the Philippine plate toward the Eurasian plate? This is a question that has puzzled scientists for years. Some believe it is the Pacific plate, while others believe it is another plate. So, let’s find out what type of boundary is formed between Philippine plate and Eurasian Plate and whether is Philippine Plate oceanic or continental.
1. Is Philippine Plate Oceanic or Continental?
The Philippine Plate is oceanic. It’s made of dense rock that subdues (slides beneath) the lighter rock of the continental plates, causing earthquakes. The Philippine plate also has a deep subduction trench called the Mariana Trench.
2. What Type of Plate Boundary does the Philippine Plate have?
The Philippine Plate has a convergent plate boundary with the Eurasian Plate. In this type of plate boundary, two plates collide, and the heavier plate sinks beneath the lighter plate (the Philippine Plate). This process is called subduction. As the two plates collide, they create mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
3. What Type of Boundary is the Eurasian Plate?
The Eurasian Plate is a convergent plate boundary, meaning it is a boundary where two plates collide. As the two plates collide, the Eurasian Plate is pushed underneath the other plate, creating mountains and volcanoes. The Himalayas is the most famous example of a mountain range created by a convergent plate boundary and this type of boundary is the Eurasian Plate. (See Where are Modern Continental Rifts?)
4. Is Eurasian Plate Oceanic or Continental?
The Eurasian plate is continental. A continental plate is a large, solid piece of Earth’s lithosphere located on the continent.
5. Is Philippines Part of the Eurasian Plate?
Yes. The Philippines is located on the Philippine Sea plate, which figures prominently in the ongoing tectonic activity of Southeast Asia. In particular, the west/northwestern portion of the Philippine Sea plate is currently subducted beneath the continental Eurasian plate. It is situated between the Eurasian and the Pacific plate. This subduction zone is responsible for frequent seismic activity in the region. Check out What is the Absolute Location of the Philippines?
6. What Type of Plate Boundary is Formed Between Philippine Plate and Eurasian Plate?
It is classified as a destructive plate boundary which is also called a subduction zone, and this type of plate boundary is formed between the Philippine plate and Eurasian Plate Along this boundary, the denser and thinner Philippine Plate is subducted under the lighter Eurasian Plate toward the asthenosphere, which is melted down and destroyed.
As the plates continue to converge, destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity frequently occur along this boundary.
7. Which Type of Plate Boundary is between the Philippine Plate and Eurasian Plate?
Convergent boundaries are caused by two plates smashing into each other. The Philippine and Eurasian plates are converging along the boundary in the Philippines. This collision is causing the Philippine Plate to be pushed beneath the Eurasian Plate.
The result of this type of plate boundary is typically a series of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The Philippines is located in a very active seismic region, so there is always a risk of a major earthquake occurring. (See What is the Best Piece of Evidence for Plate Tectonics?)
8. How are the Philippine Plate and Eurasian Plate Moving Relative to Each Other?
The Philippine Sea Plate may seem insignificant compared to other tectonic plates, but its movements have a significant impact on Japan’s seismic activity.
As the plate moves westward at 6 cm per year, it sinks under the Eurasian Plate and causes crustal movements along the northeast Japan island arc.
This sinking movement is known as subduction, and it can cause intense geological stress leading to earthquakes and volcanoes. In the next segment, you will know which plate pushes the Philippine plate toward the Eurasian plate.
9. Which Plate Pushes the Philippine Plate Toward the Eurasian Plate?
The Pacific plate is the lighter, smaller, and more flexible of the two large tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s lithosphere. It is located below the Pacific Ocean and is constantly in motion, northwestwardly moving toward the Eurasian plate.
Hope you got to know the answer to which plate pushes the Philippine plate toward the Eurasian plate and whether is Philippine Plate oceanic or continental. (Also read Which Hemisphere has Maximum Number of Continents?)
