Which mantle process results when a subducting slab reaches a density threshold?

💡 Explanation

A slab avalanche occurs below a subduction zone because gravitational instability overcomes mantle viscosity, dropping the accumulation of subducted material to the core-mantle boundary; therefore, an avalanche is produced rather than continued subduction.

• Which global outcome results when increased aerosol concentrations amplify Earth's albedo effect?
• Which outcome occurs when thawing overburden destabilizes Arctic slopes?
• Which effect typically occurs in coastal Peruvian fisheries during prolonged El Niño events?
• Which localized effect is caused by adiabatic expansion within a rain shadow region of a mountain range?
• Which deformation occurs due to post-glacial isostatic rebound?
• Which mechanism causes increased surface water temperatures during El Niño events in the Pacific Ocean?