Cooler, older, oceanic lithosphere sinks into the mantle at ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cooler, older, oceanic lithosphere sinks into the mantle at subduction zones along convergent plate boundaries. This is due to the fact that oceanic lithosphere is denser than the underlying asthenosphere and therefore tends to sink into the mantle under the force of gravity. As two plates converge, the older, denser plate will be forced beneath the younger, less dense plate, creating a subduction zone.

Cooler, Older, Oceanic Lithosphere Sinks into the Mantle at ________