Question

What happens at a subduction zone between an oceanic plate and a continental plate

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

A subduction zone is a region of the Earth where one tectonic plate dives beneath another into the interior of the Earth.

Oceanic plates are formed at divergent boundaries mainly at mid ocean ridges. Ocean plates are thinner than continental plates and usually are made of basaltic lava.

A continental, or more generally said tectonic plate, is a continuous plates of the lithosphere of the Earth which is moving relative to adjacent plates.

When an oceanic and a continental plate collide, eventually the oceanic plate is subducted under the continental plate due to the high density of the oceanic plate. ... As time goes on the hot magma rising upward from the subduction zone causes further compression of the mountain belt.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

At a subduction zone between an oceanic plate and a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the less dense continental plate. This process is known as subduction. As the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it creates a trench, which is a deep and elongated depression on the ocean floor.

Several significant geological phenomena occur at subduction zones:

1. Volcanic Activity: As the oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate, it reaches depths where it begins to melt due to the increasing temperature and pressure. The molten rock, or magma, generated in this process rises through cracks in the overlying continental plate, resulting in volcanic eruptions. This can lead to the formation of volcanic arcs, such as the Andes in South America and the Cascade Range in North America.

2. Earthquakes: Subduction zones are known for generating powerful and destructive earthquakes. The interaction between the oceanic and continental plates produces intense pressure and stress, causing the crust to deform and eventually release accumulated energy in the form of earthquakes. These earthquakes can be quite severe and are often associated with tsunamis.

3. Mountain Building: The collision of the oceanic and continental plates at subduction zones can lead to the formation of mountain ranges. As the oceanic plate subducts, it can cause compression and folding of the continental crust, resulting in the uplift of large mountain systems. The collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, for example, has led to the formation of the Himalayas.

Overall, subduction zones play a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface and are associated with various geological processes, including volcanic activity, earthquakes, and mountain building.