On this map of earthquakes near Japan, why do shallow earthquakes (yellow dots)occur to the east and deeper earthquakes (red dots)occur to the west?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The subduction zone, where the Pacific Plate is being forced under the Eurasian Plate, is located to the west of Japan. Shallow earthquakes are occurring to the east because they are happening in the upper part of the Pacific Plate as it moves towards and is forced under the Eurasian Plate. Deeper earthquakes are occurring to the west because they are happening in the deeper part of the Pacific Plate as it descends into the mantle along the subduction zone.

On This Map of Earthquakes near Japan, Why Do Shallow