subduction

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noun sub·duc·tion \ (ˌ)səb-ˈdək-shən \

Definition of subduction

:the action or process in plate tectonics of the edge of one crustal plate descending below the edge of another

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subduct

play \(ˌ)səb-ˈdəkt\ verb

Recent Examples of subduction from the Web

Using these reflections, researchers can build 3D pictures of structures like subduction zones, the regions where one tectonic plate dives below another, setting off large earthquakes and tsunamis in the process.

— paul voosen, Science | AAAS, "U.S. marine seismologists fear loss of research ship," 21 Aug. 2017
The Alaska subduction zone is a complex geologic feature.

— yereth rosen, Alaska Dispatch News, "New geologic mapping along Alaska Peninsula reveals tsunami risk," 1 Aug. 2017
The article, written by Kathryn Schulz who went on to win a Pulitzer Prize, detailed the destruction that awaits the Pacific Northwest when the next earthquake hits the Cascadia subduction zone.

— lizzy acker, OregonLive.com, "16 things to do in Oregon before the Really Big One hits," 20 July 2017
Earlier this spring, a group of visitors took their seats to experience a magnitude-9 subduction zone quake, like the one that spawned the deadly 2011 Tohoku tsunami and which is expected someday off the Washington coast.

— sandi doughton, The Seattle Times, "Japan has disaster theme parks where you can ride out fake earthquakes. Should we try it in Seattle?," 12 May 2017
As Claudia Geib reports for National Geographic, the researchers identified fragments of serpentine, a type of mineral that forms deep in ocean subduction zones under high heat and pressure.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "How Low Can Life Go? New Study Suggests Six Miles Down," 18 Apr. 2017
The trench is part of a subduction zone, where the Pacific tectonic plate slips beneath the Philippine Sea plate.

— National Geographic, "These May Be the Deepest Traces of Life on Earth," 10 Apr. 2017
The scientists will also investigate hydrothermal vents, mud volcanoes, seamounts, and subduction zones.

— brian clark howard, National Geographic, "Watch a Live Feed From the Deepest Part of the Ocean," 6 May 2016
A megathrust quake occurs in the boundary zone where one of the planet’s tectonic plates is sliding under another, a process called subduction.

— henry fountain, New York Times, "Are Earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador Related? The Science Says No," 17 Apr. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subduction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.