Which statement identifies a major reason for the subduction that helps to form volcanoes?(1 point)
Responses
the upwelling of magma between diverging plates
the upwelling of magma between diverging plates
the unusually high temperature at hotspots
the unusually high temperature at hotspots
the release of hot ash and steam in a pyroclastic flow
the release of hot ash and steam in a pyroclastic flow
the difference in density of oceanic and continental plates
the difference in density of oceanic and continental plates
The correct answer is: the difference in density of oceanic and continental plates.
The statement that identifies a major reason for the subduction that helps to form volcanoes is: "the difference in density of oceanic and continental plates."
Explanation:
Subduction is the process in which one tectonic plate slides beneath another plate. It often occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where two plates are colliding. In the case of oceanic and continental plate convergence, the denser oceanic plate subducts beneath the less dense continental plate.
The oceanic plate, being denser, sinks into the mantle, which is the layer beneath the Earth's crust. As the oceanic plate descends, it undergoes increasing heat and pressure, causing the release of water and other volatile substances trapped within the plate.
This release of water lowers the melting point of the surrounding mantle rock, leading to partial melting. The newly formed molten magma, being less dense than the surrounding solid rock, starts to rise towards the surface through cracks and weaknesses in the overlying continental plate. As it reaches shallower depths, the magma can trigger volcanic activity, leading to the formation of volcanoes.
In summary, the difference in density between oceanic and continental plates plays a crucial role in the subduction process that helps form volcanoes.