Colliding Continents

Continental collisions occur when two tectonic plates carrying continents crash into each other. These collisions are among the most dramatic events in plate tectonics and can have profound effects on the Earth's surface. When continents collide, the immense forces involved can cause the land to buckle and fold, forming towering mountain ranges such as the Himalayas. Continental collisions can also lead to the formation of new landmasses, as well as the merging of existing ones. These collisions play a significant role in shaping the Earth's physical features and have had a profound impact on the distribution of life on the planet.