Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #AustralianPlate

Most recents (1)

A #volcano just erupted near #Tonga - but why was it there in the first place?

Tonga sits on top of the #TongaKermadec #subductionzone, where the #PacificPlate sinks below the #AustralianPlate.

The subducting #PacificPlate carries the culprit into the mantle: #water. 🧵1/3 Source: https://source.wust...
Some people think that volcanoes at subduction zones are due to frictional heating from the two plates rubbing against each other - NO!

In this case, melting is because of the addition of water, sort of like how adding salt can make ice melt. 2/3

Is this the only volcano in the region? Absolutely not. Volcanoes parallel the plate boundary, a string of conical mountains 2000 m high, occasionally poking above the sea. Usually quiet, but built over millions of years through thousands of eruptions. 3/3

#tectoplot Image
Read 3 tweets

Related hashtags

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3.00/month or $30.00/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Too expensive? Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal Become our Patreon

Thank you for your support!