Subduction in AP Environmental Science

Definition

Subduction is the process in which one tectonic plate moves beneath another plate at a convergent boundary, resulting in the recycling of old crust back into the Earth's mantle.

Related terms

Convergent Boundary:

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide or come together. This collision can result in various geological features such as mountains, volcanic activity, and earthquakes.

Oceanic Trench: An oceanic trench is a long, narrow depression on the seafloor that forms above a subduction zone.

Volcanic Arc: A volcanic arc is a chain of volcanoes that forms above a subduction zone, as magma rises from the subducting plate and erupts onto Earth's surface.