If subduction occurs faster than oceanic crust can be created, an ocean gets _____.

A. smaller

B. larger

C. deeper

D. shallower

I think it is smaller but I am not sure.

smaller!

I am pretty sure it's A

To determine the correct answer, let's first understand the concepts involved. Subduction is a geological process where one tectonic plate moves beneath another plate into the Earth's mantle. Oceanic crust is constantly being created at mid-ocean ridges through volcanic activity, and it moves away from the ridges over time.

Now, consider the statement: If subduction occurs faster than oceanic crust can be created, an ocean gets _____.

If subduction is happening faster than new oceanic crust is being created, it means that more crust is being consumed or destroyed at subduction zones than is being produced at mid-ocean ridges.

This implies that the ocean is essentially losing crust, which can lead to a decrease in its size. So, based on this information, the correct answer would be:

A. smaller

Therefore, your initial intuition is correct.