Which boundary type is commonly associated with subduction zones?

Which boundary type is commonly associated with subduction zones?

• A. Convergent
• B. Divergent
• C. Transform
• D. Passive margin

Answer: (A)

Convergent boundaries are where subduction zones occur. When two tectonic plates collide, the denser oceanic plate sinks beneath the other plate, pulling the rest of the slab down and forming features like deep ocean trenches. This subduction drives melting in the mantle above the sinking slab, which fuels volcanic arcs on the overriding plate, and it concentrates stress that leads to strong earthquakes. Divergent boundaries push plates apart to create new crust at ridges or rifts, not subductive zones. Transform boundaries slide plates past each other, causing lateral earthquakes without subduction, and passive margins are edge zones that aren’t actively subducting.

Convergent boundaries are where subduction zones occur. When two tectonic plates collide, the denser oceanic plate sinks beneath the other plate, pulling the rest of the slab down and forming features like deep ocean trenches. This subduction drives melting in the mantle above the sinking slab, which fuels volcanic arcs on the overriding plate, and it concentrates stress that leads to strong earthquakes. Divergent boundaries push plates apart to create new crust at ridges or rifts, not subductive zones. Transform boundaries slide plates past each other, causing lateral earthquakes without subduction, and passive margins are edge zones that aren’t actively subducting.