Which thermal consequence arises where oceanic crust subducts beneath continental crust?

💡 Explanation

During subduction, the descending oceanic plate releases water into the mantle wedge, lowering the melting point and triggering partial melting because of hydration and decompression, leading to magma plumes that ascend and form a volcanic arc above the subduction zone. Therefore a volcanic arc results, rather than increased gradient, decreased convection or crustal thinning, which require different geological settings.

• Which outcome occurs when coastal upwelling is disrupted by increased freshwater runoff?
• Which geologic event occurs when prolonged deflation lowers elevation?
• Which risk increases when constructing structural foundations on sloping alluvial deposits?
• Which outcome results when isostatic rebound lags accelerated melting of fjord glaciers?
• Which topographic outcome results when aeolian deflation dominates?
• Which mechanism causes tsunami formation during a subduction zone earthquake with significant vertical displacement?