Encyclopedia of Science
GEOLOGY & PLANETARY SCIENCE
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                   • HOME
• ABOUT
• CATEGORIES
• COPYRIGHT
• NEWSLETTER

  



accretionary wedge


accretionary wedge formation
Accretionary wedge formation
Sediments, the top layer of material on a tectonic plate, that accumulate and deform where oceanic and continental plates collide. These sediments are scraped off the top of the downgoing oceanic crustal plate and are appended to the edge of the continental plate.


Related category

   • GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE


Source: U.S. Geological Survey



Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History





BACK TO TOP