Plate Tectonics Questions Medium
Subduction is a geological process in which one tectonic plate is forced beneath another plate into the Earth's mantle. This occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where two plates collide or move towards each other. The denser oceanic plate is usually subducted beneath the less dense continental plate, forming a subduction zone. As the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it undergoes melting and generates magma, which can lead to volcanic activity. Subduction plays a crucial role in the movement and recycling of Earth's lithosphere, contributing to the formation of mountain ranges, volcanic arcs, and deep-sea trenches.