Which plate subducts when oceanic and continental plates meet and why?
A)The continental plate subducts beneath the oceanic plate because the oceanic plate is most dense.
B)The continental plate subducts beneath the oceanic plate because the continental plate is most dense.
C)The oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate because the oceanic plate is most dense.
D)The oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate because the continental plate is most dense.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate because it is denser than the continental plate. This density difference causes the oceanic plate to sink into the mantle beneath the lighter, less dense continental plate.

Which Plate Subducts When Oceanic and Continental Plates Meet and Why