Final answer:
The longest subduction zone in the world is associated with the Nazca Plate, which is part of the Andean subduction zone along the Chile-Peru border, characterized by a steep subduction angle and significant tectonic activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The longest subduction zone in the world is the Chile-Peru border, which is part of the broader Andean subduction zone where the Nazca Plate subducts under the South American Plate. This process has created the towering Andes Mountains and is responsible for significant seismic and volcanic activity due to the movement and interaction of these tectonic plates. In subduction zones, oceanic crust is forced beneath continental or other oceanic crust, leading to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges. The region along the Chile-Peru border is notable for its steep subduction angle when compared to areas like central Chile, suggesting that subduction processes can vary significantly, even within the same overall zone.