Slab pull occurs because subducting slabs are __________ and therefore __________ than surrounding asthenosphere.
A)less mafic; less dense
B)cooler; more dense
C)hotter; more dense
D)cooler; less dense

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a slab subducts, it carries with it cooler and denser oceanic lithosphere. This causes gravitational forces to act on the slab, and it begins to "pull" the rest of the plate down into the mantle. As the slab sinks, it continues to cool and densify, creating a positive feedback loop that drives further plate motion. Therefore, subducting slabs are cooler and more dense than the surrounding asthenosphere.

Slab Pull Occurs Because Subducting Slabs Are __________ and Therefore