Question

The many volcanoes located along the edge of the Pacific Ocean make up the Ring of Fire. How does subduction play a role in the volcanic activity in the Ring of Fire?

A)Most of the plate boundaries involve one plate sliding underneath another.
B)Most of the plate boundaries involve plates spreading apart, forming new ocean floor.
C)Most of the plates are stationary, capable only of forming hot spots.
D)Most of the plates rub horizontally against each other.

Answer 1

A. Most of the plate boundaries involve one plate sliding underneath another.

Along the Ring of Fire, subduction causes one plate to slide beneath another. The bottom plate plunges into the mantle. Once in the mantle, the plate melts and can then rise up as a volcano.

Answer 2

A. Subduction is when a plate tectonic is moved under another and its forced to sink into the mantle due to gravity.