What occurs when two tectonic plates come together?

When two tectonic plates come together, the process that occurs is known as convergence. Convergent boundaries are zones where two plates collide or move towards each other. This interaction between the plates can lead to various geological phenomena, such as the formation of mountain ranges, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

In many cases, one plate may be forced beneath the other in a process known as subduction. While subduction can occur at convergent boundaries, it is a specific outcome of this collision and not the complete definition of what happens when plates converge.

The other types of boundaries, such as divergent and transform, involve different movements of tectonic plates. Divergent boundaries occur when plates move apart, while transform boundaries occur when plates slide past one another horizontally. Therefore, the correct characterization of the event when two tectonic plates interact by coming together is convergent.