What is the term for the process where one tectonic plate is pushed under another?

The correct term for the process where one tectonic plate is pushed under another is subduction. This geological phenomenon occurs at convergent boundaries, where an oceanic plate meets either another oceanic plate or a continental plate. The denser oceanic plate is forced downward into the mantle, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.

Subduction plays a crucial role in the recycling of the Earth's crust and is responsible for significant geological activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. By understanding subduction and its implications, one can better grasp how tectonic processes shape the Earth’s surface and influence aquatic ecosystems.