Explained in plain English
What is a subduction zone?
A subduction zone is where two of Earth's tectonic plates collide, and one slides beneath the other into the mantle. This immense friction and pressure can cause powerful earthquakes, like the one in Colombia, and often leads to volcanic activity. It's a key feature of the 'Ring of Fire'.
Stories that explain this
Colombia earthquake kills 20 people, collapses buildings on MondayQuestions this opens up
What are tectonic plates? Why do plates move? What causes volcanoes?This explainer came from a news story
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