Explain what a subduction zone is and how it relates to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

A subduction zone is a place where one plate goes below another plate, and it is related to volcanism and earthquakes because of the large opening in the crust through which magma rises and the crust is disturbed.

Explanation:

The subduction zone is found at places where there are convergent plate boundaries, meaning that two or more plates move toward each other. The plate that sits lower and is denser moves below the plate that sits higher and is less dense, gradually ending up in the mantle where it is melted. Between the two plates, there is a deep gap that opens up, while also the crust on the plate on top is pushed up.

As the crust from one of the plates pushes down into the mantle, through the gap, magma rises toward the surface, creating numerous volcanoes, often manifested as volcanic island chains. The earthquakes occur because of the eruptions of the volcanoes, but also because of the tension between the two plates, where the crust cracks, the gaps are filled from crust from above, and the energy released is manifested through strong vibrations.