During subduction:

Question

During subduction:

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question: During subduction:
Options:
 a. Oceanic plate always goes under the continental plate
 b. Oceanic plate sometimes goes under the continental plate
 c. Oceanic plate sometimes goes over the continental plate
 d. Oceanic plate always goes over the continental plate

Option a: This statement asserts that in subduction zones the Oceanic plate always subducts beneath the Continental plate. In classic plate tectonics, the oceanic lithosphere is generally denser than continental lithosphere, so when they collide the oceanic plate tends to subduct beneath the continental plate. This explanation aligns with the standard description of subduction processes, which is why option a is considered correct in many introductory treatments. However, a more nuanced view notes there are complex interactions in some boundaries (e.g., vigorous tectonic accretion, flat-slab subduction, or unusual plate configurations), but the core idea remains that oceanic lithosphere is typically the one that sinks.

Option b: Claiming that the oceanic plate sometimes goes under the continental plate introduces ambiguity. While subduction zones are the contexts where this happens, the word 'sometimes' weakens the general rule. In standard subduction scenarios, the oceanic plate does subduct beneath the continent whenever a collision occurs, so this option is not as accurate as option a.

Option c: Stating that the oceanic plate sometimes goes over the continental plate contradicts the fundamental density-driven dynamic of subduction. Oceanic lithosphere is denser and older cool oceanic crust tends to sink under continental crust rather than overtake it. This option conflicts with well-established understanding and is thus incorrect.

Option d: Saying the oceanic plate always goes over the continental plate directly contradicts the subduction mechanism, since 'going over' would imply uplift or overriding instead of sinking. In most convergent boundaries where subduction occurs, the oceanic plate sinks, not rises. Therefore this option is incorrect.

Summary: The most consistent choice with standard subduction theory is that the oceanic plate generally subducts beneath the continental plate, which corresponds to option a. The other options misstate the direction of subduction or introduce unnecessary qualifiers that do not match the typical plate-tectonic behavior at convergent boundaries.

25-1-GEST1008-001_58932 Test THREE

During subduction:

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

The process of fracturing and movement of the outer layers of the Earth is called _____.

Transform boundaries occur where ____.

The angle of subduction of the down-going slab determines the surface profile of the earthquakes as seen in the image below. If the subduction angle was steeper (steeper subducting plate shown by yellow shade), how would the surface profile change?

What types of plate boundaries do not produce earthquakes?

What types of plate boundaries do not produce volcanoes?

Which type of plate boundary has the deepest earthquakes?

Sedimentary rocks that were deposited in a marine environment occur at the peak of Mt. Everest. What do these rocks demonstrate?

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler

25-1-GEST1008-001_58932 Test THREE

During subduction:

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

The process of fracturing and movement of the outer layers of the Earth is called _____.

Transform boundaries occur where ____.​

The angle of subduction of the down-going slab determines the surface profile of the earthquakes as seen in the image below. If the subduction angle was steeper (steeper subducting plate shown by yellow shade), how would the surface profile change?

What types of plate boundaries do not produce earthquakes?

What types of plate boundaries do not produce volcanoes?

Which type of plate boundary has the deepest earthquakes?

Sedimentary rocks that were deposited in a marine environment occur at the peak of Mt. Everest. What do these rocks demonstrate?

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Making Your Study Simpler

Transform boundaries occur where ____.