What occurs at a subduction zone?

At a subduction zone, one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to significant geological activity. This process typically occurs when an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate or another oceanic plate. The denser oceanic plate is subducted into the mantle, where it begins to melt and can generate volcanic activity, forming a deep ocean trench at the surface.

The dynamics of subduction zones are crucial in understanding the formation of various geological features, including volcanic arcs and earthquakes. The interaction and pressure build-up from the sliding plates can release energy, resulting in seismic events. This movement and the accompanying geological phenomena highlight the importance of subduction zones in the Earth’s tectonic processes.