Which statement BEST explains the process of subduction? (1 point)
A. Magma rises through the cracks in a solid rock plate.
B. One plates slides past another plate horizontally
C. A denser plate pushes down under the lighter plate
D. An oceanic plate covers a continental plate
C. A denser plate pushes down under the lighter plate
C. A denser plate pushes down under the lighter plate
To determine the best explanation for the process of subduction, let's analyze each statement:
A. Magma rises through the cracks in a solid rock plate.
This statement does not accurately describe subduction. Subduction involves the movement of tectonic plates and the sinking of one plate beneath another, unrelated to the movement of magma.
B. One plates slides past another plate horizontally.
This statement describes a different tectonic process called transform boundaries, where plates move horizontally past each other, resulting in earthquakes. It does not accurately describe subduction.
C. A denser plate pushes down under the lighter plate.
This statement accurately describes the process of subduction. Subduction occurs when an oceanic plate, which is denser, sinks beneath a less dense continental plate. The denser oceanic plate is forced downward into the Earth's mantle in a process known as subduction.
D. An oceanic plate covers a continental plate.
This statement does not accurately describe subduction. Instead, it describes a scenario where an oceanic plate overlaps and moves over a continental plate, forming features such as oceanic trenches.
Based on the explanations provided, the correct answer would be:
C. A denser plate pushes down under the lighter plate.