Which outcome occurs when continuous subduction reduces mantle viscosity?

💡 Explanation

Deep earthquakes more frequently occur because lower mantle viscosity allows for deeper, faster subduction; this forces brittle crust deeper facilitating seismic events rather than ductile deformation typically seen in hotter, higher viscosity regions; therefore deep quakes increase, rather than other volcanic or crust formation changes.

• Which geological effect arises from the constant stress-and-release mechanism along a transform fault boundary intersecting continental crust?
• Which process primarily shapes the formation of a lava dome?
• What impact occurs within arid regions when deflation exceeds sediment production?
• Which horizon development occurs when excessive precipitation occurs?
• Which outcome occurs when increased freshwater stream discharge enters high-latitude seas?
• Which outcome is caused by fault creep along subduction zones?