Question

Earthquakes that occur in a band called the ________ can be used to track the motion of subducted oceanic lithosphere.

Answer 1

Answer:

Option (C)

Explanation:

The Wadati-Benioff zone is also simply known as the Benioff zone. This represents the zone where the denser oceanic crust slides down below the continental or a less dense oceanic plate.  

This zone is highly related to the generation of earthquakes that are commonly located below the volcanoes, volcanic island and continental margins. As the plate subducts towards the deeper region, the rocks undergo deformation, thereby results in the production of seismic waves. These waves generate deep-focus earthquakes.

This Benioff zone is monitored frequently by the seismologists and geologists, at a certain time interval, which is helpful in determining the rate at which the plate subducts. It thus helps in tracking the motion of the subducted oceanic plates.

Thus, the correct answer is option (C).