Dossier
subduction zone
Coverage of subduction zone in the Nexus archive.
- The Philippines earthquake is the largest this year, but it could’ve been bigger—here’s why
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Philippines, making it the largest this year. The quake occurred at a subduction zone, which is capable of producing the largest earthquakes possible.
- Earth is splitting open beneath the Pacific Northwest, scientists say
Scientists have observed the Juan de Fuca plate splitting into fragments as it subducts beneath North America, using advanced seismic imaging. This discovery explains ancient plate remnants and may improve understanding of earthquake behavior in subduction zones.