subduction etymology

Etymology:

  • Derived from Latin "subductus," meaning "drawn or pulled under."

Meaning and Origin:

Subduction is a geological process that involves the downward movement of a tectonic plate beneath another plate, resulting in the sinking and melting of the subducting plate. The process plays a crucial role in the formation of volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain ranges.

  • First recorded use: 1868, by American geologist James Dwight Dana.

Related Terms:

  • Subduction zone: A region of the Earth's crust where two tectonic plates converge and one plate subducts beneath the other.
  • Subduction wedge: The portion of the overriding plate that is deformed and thickened as a result of the subduction process.
  • Subducting plate: The tectonic plate that moves beneath the overriding plate.
  • Overriding plate: The tectonic plate that moves over the subducting plate.

Process:

Subduction occurs when two tectonic plates collide and one plate is forced to move beneath the other. The subducting plate descends into the Earth's mantle, where it melts and releases volatiles (gases). These volatiles rise through the overlying plate and trigger volcanic activity.

The subduction process is continuous and can last for millions of years. Over time, it can create large mountain ranges, such as the Andes Mountains in South America, which formed as a result of the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.

subduction relate terms

  • subduce

    Etymology Latin subducere Meaning to draw beneath Origin sub beneath duc

  • subduct

    Etymology Latin sub under ductus leading Meaning To move or slide beneath s

  • subduce

    Etymology Latin subducere Meaning to draw beneath Origin sub beneath duc

  • subduction

    Etymology Derived from Latin subductus meaning drawn or pulled under Meaning an

  • subdue

    Etymology Late Middle English from Anglo Norman French subduer from Latin subdūcō

  • proportion

    Etymology From Old French proportion appropriate relation or measure from Latin pr

  • trousers

    Etymology Trousers is derived from the French word trousse meaning bundle or packa

  • chauvinism

    Etymology The word chauvinism derives from the name Nicolas Chauvin a legendary soldie

  • mimosa

    Etymology Late Latin mimosa feminine of mimosus full of actors mimic from Greek mi

  • prowess

    Etymology From Old French proesce proëce prowess valor from Vulgar Latin prodec

  • prism

    Etymology The word prism comes from the Late Latin word prisma which itself origina

  • keen

    Etymology The word keen derives from the Old English word cēne meaning bold brave