Question

the diagram below shows an area with a trench.

image of oceanic crust, trench, volcanic arc, continental crust

modified from image courtesy of usgs

which of the following best explains what is happening to the oceanic crust as it is pushed below the continental crust?

a. the oceanic crust joins with the continental crust.

b. the oceanic crust erodes when it collides with the continental crust.

c. the oceanic crust melts as it gets pushed below the continental crust.

d. the oceanic crust crystallizes when it dives below the continental crust.

Explanation:

The diagram shows oceanic crust subducting under continental crust. Oceanic crust is denser, so it sinks into the mantle. The mantle's high temperature melts the subducting oceanic crust, which can feed volcanic activity (seen as the volcanic arc).

Answer:

C. The oceanic crust melts as it gets pushed below the continental crust.