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Multiple Choice
In the context of Earth's geology, what is subduction and what primarily causes it?
A
Subduction is the process where magma rises to the surface, creating volcanic islands.
B
Subduction is the process where two tectonic plates move apart, forming new crust.
C
Subduction is the process where tectonic plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.
D
Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves beneath another due to differences in density.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of subduction. Subduction is a geological process where one tectonic plate moves beneath another plate and sinks into the mantle. This typically occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where two plates collide.
Step 2: Identify the primary cause of subduction. The process is driven by differences in density between the two tectonic plates. The denser plate, often an oceanic plate, is forced beneath the less dense plate, which is usually a continental plate or another oceanic plate.
Step 3: Recognize the outcomes of subduction. Subduction zones are associated with significant geological activity, such as the formation of deep ocean trenches, volcanic arcs, and earthquakes.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. Subduction is not the process of magma rising to the surface (this describes volcanic activity), plates moving apart (this describes seafloor spreading), or plates sliding past each other (this describes transform boundaries).
Step 5: Confirm the correct answer. Subduction is accurately described as the process where one tectonic plate moves beneath another due to differences in density.