answersLogoWhite

0

In geology, subduction is the process that takes place at convergent boundaries by which one tectonic plate moves under another tectonic plate, sinking into the Earth's mantle, as the plates converge. These 3D regions of mantle downwellings are known as "Subduction Zones". A subduction zone is an area on Earth where two tectonic plates move towards one another and one slides under the other. Rates of subduction are typically measured in centimeters per year, with the average rate of convergence being approximately 2 to 8 centimeters per year (about the rate a fingernail grows).[1]

Plates can be formed from either oceanic lithosphere or continental lithosphere. Stable subduction zones involve an oceanic plate sliding beneath either a continental plate or another oceanic plate (that is, the subducted plate is always oceanic while the subducting plate may or may not be oceanic). Subduction zones are often noted for their high rates of volcanism, earthquakes, and mountain building. Continental collision results where a continental plate is subducted.

Orogenesis, or mountain-building, occurs when large pieces of material on the subducting plate (such as island arcs) are pressed into the overriding plate. These areas are subject to many earthquakes, which are caused by the interactions between the subducting slab and the mantle, the volcanoes, and (when applicable) the mountain-building related to island arc collisions

User Avatar

Wiki User

∙ 15y ago
User Avatar

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How are subduction form?

by plate tectonics


What does subduction have to do with geology?

Subduction is part of the geological process of plate tectonics. A subduction zone is a place where the oceanic plate is sinking back in to the mantle (usually at the edge of a continental plate.


A denser plate sinking under a less dense plate is called what?

If you are talking about plate tectonics, the action you're referring to is called subduction.


How old crust is recycled using the theory of plate tectonics?

Subduction


Define and relate the following to the plate tectonics theory?

There are 2 tectonics theories namely: divergent boundary and subduction zone. The boundary of the plate tectonics where two plates are placed is called divergent boundary while the subduction zone is a convergent boundary where in one plate is subducted on another.


Do plate tectonics work by subduction?

no magma riseing thur gaps in plate causes them to move called seafloor spread


How does subduction work in the process of plate tectonics?

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves beneath another plate at a convergent boundary. This occurs because the denser plate sinks into the mantle, creating a subduction zone. The sinking plate can cause earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.


Is there evidence of plate tectonics on Venus?

There is no conclusive evidence of plate tectonics on Venus. Although Venus does have tectonic features such as fractures and faults, they do not show the same pattern of movement and subduction observed on Earth. Additionally, Venus lacks evidence of large-scale crustal recycling associated with plate tectonics.


What is the name given to a region where one plate of the earths crust is sliding under another?

A subduction zone is the name given to a region where one plate of the earth's crust is sliding under another plate. This is a term found in plate tectonics.


What is subduction rates?

Subduction rate refers to the speed at which one tectonic plate is being forced beneath another in a subduction zone. This rate can vary depending on the specific subduction zone and the tectonic forces at play. Subduction rates are important in understanding plate tectonics and the geologic processes that shape the Earth's surface.


What is the name of the process of denser crust sinking beneath less dense crust after collision?

The process is called subduction. It occurs when one tectonic plate is forced beneath another due to differences in density, typically in convergent plate boundaries. This subduction process is a key driver of plate tectonics.


Who discovered subduction?

The concept of subduction was first proposed by Canadian geophysicist J. Tuzo Wilson in the 1960s. He suggested that one tectonic plate can move beneath another plate at convergent plate boundaries. This idea revolutionized our understanding of plate tectonics and the processes shaping the Earth's crust.