What is subductive?

Subduction is a geological process in which one tectonic plate moves underneath another, typically along convergent plate boundaries. The overriding plate is usually forced downwards into the Earth's mantle, where it melts and recycles back into the Earth's crust through volcanic activity. Subduction zones are responsible for a variety of geological phenomena, including the formation of volcanic arcs, earthquakes, and tsunamis. They also play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, as carbon stored in rocks and sediments is released back into the atmosphere through volcanic activity. The subduction of oceanic plates is a key process in the formation of many types of rocks, including metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks. The study of subduction is an important aspect of geology and seismology.