What is a subduction zone volcano?

Answer 1

A subduction zone is an area of tectonic plate collision where the more dense plate subducts, or follows a path underneath, the less dense plate.

A subduction zone is the place where oceanic plate margin is being pushed under a continental plate or a less dense oceanic plate. Have a look at the western side of South America (on the pacific coast), see the mountain ranges and volcanoes - these are just inside the edge of the continental plate and are a product of the subduction zone. As oceanic crust gets pushed under or over-ridden by the continental plate edge it melts and gives rise to the volcanoes. These zones also exist where one oceanic crust is pushed under another oceanic crust, the same volcanism results, but as it takes place at sea the result is the formation of underwater volcanoes.

Answer 2

A subduction zone volcano forms where tectonic plates collide, and one plate is pushed beneath the other into the Earth's mantle. The subducting plate melts, creating magma that rises to the surface, resulting in volcanic activity. These volcanoes are often associated with explosive eruptions due to the high silica content of the magma.

Answer 3

A subduction zone is a type of plate boundary where the denser of the two tectonic plates travelling towards each other will 'slide', or subduct, beneath the other.

Answer 4

Volcanoes that form at subduction zones form on the ocean floor, instead of on a continent. If the volcano stays active over a long period it will emerge as an island.