MasteryExams
Geography • World GeographyMedium

Which major tectonic plate boundary interaction is directly responsible for the ongoing uplift of the Himalayan mountain chain, which in turn acts as the source of Punjab's river systems?

A. Continent-continent convergent collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate✓ Correct Answer
B. Oceanic-oceanic subduction along the western margin of the Pacific Ring of Fire
C. Continental transform faulting along the San Andreas fault system
D. Oceanic divergent seafloor spreading along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Himalayas are formed by the ongoing continent-continent collision between the northward-moving Indian Plate and the stationary Eurasian Plate, creating massive crustal shortening and high mountain ranges. Oceanic-oceanic subduction creates island arcs like Japan or the Aleutians rather than massive continental collision mountain ranges. Transform faulting involves horizontal sliding of tectonic plates past one another without major mountain uplift, as seen in California. Divergent spreading creates oceanic ridges and rift valleys on ocean floors rather than towering mountain ranges. Plate tectonic theory provides the fundamental framework for understanding regional seismicity and geomorphology.

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