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Subduction zone processes
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Subduction zone processes
Subduction zone processes. Cutaway artwork showing the geological processes that occur at a subduction zone between two tectonic plates. An oceanic plate (left) is descending beneath a continental plate (right). At the boundary, mountains are being formed as the rock crumples and is pushed upwards under pressure. New rock is also formed from volcanic eruptions (upper right) as the oceanic plate melts and molten rock rises. This artwork also shows the crumpling of rock strata within the mountains, and ocean floor sediments (brown) being dragged down into the mantle (orange)
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6317515
© JOSE ANTONIO PEAS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Boundary Coast Coastal Crust Cut Away Earth Sciences Earthquake Erupting Geological Land Lava Magma Mantle Melting Molten Mountain Mountain Range Physical Geography Process Processes Rock Rock Strata Sediment Sediments Seismic Seismology Subduction Zone Subterranean Tectonic Plate Tectonic Plates Under Ground Volcanic Volcano Volcanology Vulcanology Crumpled Orogeny Section Sectioned
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from Science Photo Library showcases the intricate processes that occur at a subduction zone, where two tectonic plates meet. The artwork provides a cutaway view of this geological phenomenon, with an oceanic plate descending beneath a continental plate. As these plates collide, mountains are formed as the rock crumples and is pushed upwards under immense pressure. The artwork also highlights the creation of new rock through volcanic eruptions. In the upper right corner, molten rock rises to the surface as the oceanic plate melts, resulting in volcanic activity. This dynamic process not only contributes to mountain formation but also reveals how various layers of rock strata within these mountains become crumpled over time. Another fascinating aspect depicted in this artwork is the dragging down of ocean floor sediments into the mantle. The brown sediment represents material from underwater environments being pulled beneath Earth's surface by subduction forces. Overall, this illustration beautifully captures multiple elements associated with subduction zones - including mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, and crustal movements - providing valuable insights into our planet's geology and its ever-changing landscape. It serves as a visual reminder of how powerful and transformative these subterranean processes can be in shaping our coastal regions and landforms around the world.
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