Which type of plate boundary is associated with subduction?

Subduction occurs at convergent boundaries, where two tectonic plates move toward each other. In this scenario, one plate is usually forced beneath the other into the mantle, a process that typically involves an oceanic plate being subducted under a continental plate or another oceanic plate. The subduction zone is characterized by features such as deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs, illustrating the intense geological activity associated with this type of boundary.

This process is critical in the recycling of the Earth's crust and contributes to the formation of mountain ranges, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Knowledge of subduction zones is vital for understanding many geological phenomena, including the creation of islands and the rich biodiversity often found in volcanic regions.