What geological features arise from subduction zones?

What geological features arise from subduction zones?

• A. Plateaus and plains
• B. Mountain ranges and continental shelves
• C. Deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs
• D. Sand dunes and river deltas

Answer: (C)

Subduction zones are critical geological features that occur at convergent plate boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced underneath another. This process primarily leads to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs. Deep ocean trenches are formed as the descending plate bends and creates a significant depression in the ocean floor. These trenches can reach great depths, making them some of the deepest parts of the ocean. The movement of the subducting plate also facilitates the release of fluids, which lowers the melting point of the overlying mantle, leading to magma formation. This process results in volcanic activity, giving rise to volcanic arcs, which are chains of volcanoes typically positioned on the overriding plate parallel to the trench. The interplay between the descending plate and the mantle not only produces these geological features but also influences seismic activity, as stress builds and releases along fault lines. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the primary geological products of subduction zones—deep ocean trenches and the associated volcanic arcs.

Subduction zones are critical geological features that occur at convergent plate boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced underneath another. This process primarily leads to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.

Deep ocean trenches are formed as the descending plate bends and creates a significant depression in the ocean floor. These trenches can reach great depths, making them some of the deepest parts of the ocean. The movement of the subducting plate also facilitates the release of fluids, which lowers the melting point of the overlying mantle, leading to magma formation. This process results in volcanic activity, giving rise to volcanic arcs, which are chains of volcanoes typically positioned on the overriding plate parallel to the trench.

The interplay between the descending plate and the mantle not only produces these geological features but also influences seismic activity, as stress builds and releases along fault lines. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the primary geological products of subduction zones—deep ocean trenches and the associated volcanic arcs.