In the plate movement known as, what occurs when an oceanic plate slides underneath a continental plate?

When an oceanic plate slides underneath a continental plate, the geological process that occurs is called subduction. This process is a key component of plate tectonics, where the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the lighter continental plate at convergent boundaries. As the oceanic plate descends, it may lead to the formation of deep ocean trenches, the creation of volcanic arcs, and significant seismic activity.

Subduction zones are often associated with various geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, contributing to the dynamic nature of the Earth's crust. This mechanism plays a crucial role in recycling the Earth's materials and driving the geological activity that shapes the planet's surface.

The other terms relate to different geological processes. Faulting refers to the fracturing that occurs when stress on rock exceeds its strength, resulting in slippage along a fault line. Spreading describes the movement of tectonic plates away from each other, often occurring at mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is formed. Converging generally refers to the interaction of two tectonic plates moving towards one another, which can involve various forms of collisions or movements, but specifically describes the broader category within which subduction occurs.