This is a 3-D image of the Nazca slab subduction. Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for ...

Denser, cooler material is drawn into the warmer interior in a process called subduction. In this area the Nazca Plate is currently subducting beneath South America, as shown in the diagram below.