subduction

/səbˈdʌkʃən/

In geology, subduction is what happens when one tectonic plate moves underneath another. Most strong earthquakes are caused by subduction.

Subduction causes the most powerful earthquakes, and over time it's also what creates volcanoes and mountains. When you study geology or earth science, you'll learn about areas of the earth called "subduction zones," regions where subduction is occurring and earthquakes are relatively common. Before 1970, the word was used to mean "removal of noxious substances from the body."

Definitions of subduction

1. noun

   a geological process in which one edge of a crustal plate is forced sideways and downward into the mantle below another plate
   type of:

   geologic process, geological process

   (geology) a natural process whereby geological features are modified