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Down into the mantle. At a depth of about 600 miles they become undetectable seismographicaly and are believed to have melted back into the mantle rock.

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Cooler older oceanic lithosphere sink into the mantle at?

Cooler, older oceanic lithosphere sinks into the mantle at subduction zones where two tectonic plates converge. As the denser oceanic plate descends into the mantle, it creates deep ocean trenches and may eventually cause volcanic activity. This process is essential for the recycling of oceanic crust and plays a key role in plate tectonics and the Earth's geological processes.


Why is oceanic lithosphere subducted during and oceanic continental collision where as the continental plate is not?

Oceanic lithosphere is denser than continental lithosphere, so it is more likely to be subducted during a collision. The downward force exerted by the dense oceanic plate causes it to sink beneath the less dense continental plate. Furthermore, oceanic lithosphere is typically thinner and more malleable, making it easier to be forced beneath the continental lithosphere.


Does cooler material in asthenosphere rise toward lithosphere?

Yes, cooler material in the asthenosphere can rise towards the lithosphere due to its higher density, causing it to sink and then rise due to convective forces. This movement of material is one of the driving mechanisms behind plate tectonics.


When older sink below newer plates does it make it more dense?

Yes, when older, colder oceanic plates sink below younger, warmer plates in a process called subduction, the density of the older plate increases as it is subjected to higher pressures and temperatures in the Earth's mantle. This increase in density allows the plate to sink into the mantle.


Why does ocenaic crust sink beneath the continental crust at a subduction boundary?

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust due to its composition of basaltic rock and higher iron content. This density difference causes oceanic crust to sink beneath the lighter continental crust at subduction zones, creating a convergent boundary. The descending oceanic plate creates deep oceanic trenches and can trigger volcanic activity when it melts and rises to the surface.

Related Questions

Cooler older oceanic lithosphere sink into the mantle at?

Cooler, older oceanic lithosphere sinks into the mantle at subduction zones where two tectonic plates converge. As the denser oceanic plate descends into the mantle, it creates deep ocean trenches and may eventually cause volcanic activity. This process is essential for the recycling of oceanic crust and plays a key role in plate tectonics and the Earth's geological processes.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sink beneath continental lithosphere at convergent boundary's?

As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sink beneath convergent lithosphere at convergent boundaries?

As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.


What is A region where oceanic plates sink down into the lithosphere?

A subduction zone.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sink at subduction but not at mid ocean ridges?

oceanic lithosphere sinks at subduction zones but not at mid ocean ridges because at subduction zones the oceanic lithosphere is subducted, or sinks, under another plate. Oceanic Lithosphere sinks at subduction zones which are usually at convergent boundaries, but at mid-ocean ridges the plates are actually separating not coming together


Why is oceanic lithosphere subducted during and oceanic continental collision where as the continental plate is not?

Oceanic lithosphere is denser than continental lithosphere, so it is more likely to be subducted during a collision. The downward force exerted by the dense oceanic plate causes it to sink beneath the less dense continental plate. Furthermore, oceanic lithosphere is typically thinner and more malleable, making it easier to be forced beneath the continental lithosphere.


What caused the oceanic lithosphere to slide downhill?

The oceanic lithosphere slides downhill due to the gradual cooling and densification of the lithosphere as it moves away from the mid-ocean ridges. This increase in density causes the lithosphere to sink into the underlying asthenosphere due to gravity.


When does a part of oceanic plate sink into the mantle?

Usually when it meets another tectonic plate at a convergent plate boundary. If the oceanic plate converges with a continental plate the denser oceanic plate will be forced under the continental plate. If it converges with another oceanic plate the older (and therefore cooler and denser) plate will be forced under the younger plate.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sink at subduction zones but not at mid ocean ridges?

oceanic lithosphere sinks at subduction zones but not at mid ocean ridges because at subduction zones the oceanic lithosphere is subducted, or sinks, under another plate. Oceanic Lithosphere sinks at subduction zones which are usually at convergent boundaries, but at mid-ocean ridges the plates are actually separating not coming together


Does cooler material in asthenosphere rise toward lithosphere?

Yes, cooler material in the asthenosphere can rise towards the lithosphere due to its higher density, causing it to sink and then rise due to convective forces. This movement of material is one of the driving mechanisms behind plate tectonics.


When older sink below newer plates does it make it more dense?

Yes, when older, colder oceanic plates sink below younger, warmer plates in a process called subduction, the density of the older plate increases as it is subjected to higher pressures and temperatures in the Earth's mantle. This increase in density allows the plate to sink into the mantle.


A region where oceanic plates sink down into the asthenosphere?

a region where oceanic plates sink down into the asthenosphere is called a subduction zone.