The sinking of an oceanic plate edge as a result of convergence with a plate of lesser density Subduction often causes earthquakes and creates volcano chains
The process by which oceanic crust of one lithospheric plate moves down beneath oceanic or continental crust of another plate, resulting in the formation of a deep ocean trench, an inclined zone of earthquake activity (Benioff Zone) and volcanic activity due to the melting of the subducting plate
[ (")s&b-'d&k-sh&n ] (noun.) 1970. Late Latin subduction-, subductio withdrawal, from Latin subducere to withdraw, from sub- + ducere to draw; more at TOW.