Here I have constructed land mass via GPlates, and I am curious as to what kind of tectonic boundary would result in such a shape.
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4$\begingroup$ From one point of view, I believe this is an off-topic question. The landmass was created by GPlates. Asking us to second-guess what a software package (and, by extension, the programmers) used as criteria is most definitely not within our scope. From another point of view, were GPlates not involved the Q would then fall into scope. But I believe should then be should be closed for being too opinion-based (brainstorming) or for having too few details. Frankly, the landmass could just as easily be justified through volcanism. What, specifically, is your goal? $\endgroup$– JBHCommented Jul 13 at 1:58
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$\begingroup$ @JBH I made mention of GPlates in case anyone would be curious of how I made it. I am not asking about GPlates. I am asking for help identifying the most likely tectonic types that would result in this island shape. The number of times my legitimate questions have been labeled "off topic" has really deterred me from using Stack Exchange. So, if Stack Exchange is not a place for questions, please direct me somewhere that is. $\endgroup$– user100304Commented Jul 13 at 12:32
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2$\begingroup$ So far, you've only got one question that has been closed as being off topic. And it really was very off topic! This question, while not off topic, does appear to be a duplicate of your other tectonics query. I voted to close it, but I'd be very happy to withdraw that vote if you can clarify in the question body what makes this one sufficiently different that the other answers don't work here. A link to the other question for comparison would be fab! $\endgroup$– elemtilasCommented Jul 13 at 22:51
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3$\begingroup$ This question is similar to: Given a planet map, can plate tectonics be determined?. If you believe it’s different, please edit the question, make it clear how it’s different and/or how the answers on that question are not helpful for your problem. $\endgroup$– Escaped dental patient.Commented Jul 14 at 4:42
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1$\begingroup$ @Ylahris But you are asking about GPlates, which uses tectonic science to create the landmass. In a very real sense, you've brought us a sculpture and asked us to explain how the artist did it. Not our job. As for learning about plate tectonics, you should begin with our page about where to start with tectonics. $\endgroup$– JBHCommented Jul 14 at 21:03
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2 Answers
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I'd suggest looking at real world plate boundaries, but the best two possible answers I have for you would be oceanic subduction as in the Indonesian islands, or a partly submerged, older mountain range as in the Balkans/Greece.
Scale matters too, though, I'm assuming this is relatively macro based on the nature of your question.
If you're willing to mess with sea levels I'd suggest you play a bit with Floodmap, see what kind of landforms emerge and where if you're looking for something specific. Just keep in mind that there are various processes that tend to smooth out the coast.
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This form is an "island arc." Island arcs happened over subduction zones. Geologists think that North America ran into a number of such island arcs building much of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.
Subduction zones are not straight lines. They curve. The subducting plate can be overridden leaving the islands separated from further volcano activity. This proposed island arc looks a lot like southeast Alaska (excluding Canada behind it). Reading up on how that area was formed can give more ideas. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insular_Belt https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrangellia_Terrane
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$\begingroup$ specifically ocean ot ocean convergent boundaries give you that form of subduction. $\endgroup$– JohnCommented Jul 13 at 14:29