subduktiosta

Subduktio is a term used in geology to describe the process where one tectonic plate slides beneath another and sinks into the Earth's mantle. This typically occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where two plates collide. Oceanic plates, being denser than continental plates, are more commonly subducted. As the denser plate descends, it can trigger a variety of geological phenomena.

The subducting plate heats up as it moves deeper into the mantle. This heat can cause the release of water from minerals within the descending plate. This water lowers the melting point of the overlying mantle rock, leading to the formation of magma. This magma, being less dense, rises towards the surface, often erupting to form volcanoes. This is why volcanic arcs are frequently found parallel to subduction zones.

Subduction zones are also responsible for generating some of the most powerful earthquakes on Earth. As the plates grind against each other, stress builds up. When this stress is released, it can cause significant seismic activity. The deepest earthquakes in the world occur in subduction zones. The process of subduction plays a crucial role in plate tectonics, recycling oceanic crust and driving much of the Earth's geological activity.