Plate Tectonics Questions Medium
The process of subduction zone formation occurs at convergent plate boundaries where two tectonic plates collide. It involves the denser oceanic plate being forced beneath the less dense continental plate or another oceanic plate. As the oceanic plate descends into the mantle, it creates a deep trench on the Earth's surface known as a subduction zone. This process is driven by the force of gravity and the difference in density between the two plates. Subduction zones are characterized by intense geological activity, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges.