subduction

Everyday

1. (science) Subduction is when one of the Earth's tectonic plates slides down underneath another plate and sinks into the hot mantle. tree →
2. A subduction zone is the place where this happens. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science lessons on plate tectonics, subduction explains volcanoes, deep ocean trenches and big earthquakes and tsunamis: the Pacific "Ring of Fire" around Japan, Chile, Alaska, New Zealand and the west coast of North America is full of subduction zones. The Mariana Trench, the deepest place in the ocean, formed by subduction.

Examples

• Subduction happens when one plate sinks under another. tree →
• Japan has many earthquakes because of subduction. tree →
• The Mariana Trench was made by subduction. tree →
• Volcanoes often form above subduction zones. tree →
• The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was caused by an earthquake in a subduction zone. tree →
• Ocean plates are heavier, so they sink in subduction. tree →
• Draw a diagram of a subduction zone with arrows. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Verb: to subduct ("the plate is subducted"). "Sub-" means under. Usually the heavier ocean plate sinks under a lighter continental plate.