Which outcome primarily results when a continental plate overrides an oceanic plate at a subduction zone experiencing sediment starvation?

💡 Explanation

Increased accretionary wedge erosion occurs, because sediment starvation reduces lubrication at the subduction zone. This reduction increases tectonic stress via the mechanism of basal friction. Therefore, the wedge erodes more readily rather than accreting materials where additional sediment influx would have occurred.

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• Which change occurs during subduction when hydrated oceanic crust descends into the mantle?
• Which mechanism amplifies the initial Milankovitch cycle forcing on global temperatures?
• Which mechanism strengthens gyre formation when Hadley cells intensify?
• Which process accelerates when permafrost underlying a cirque thaws due to rising air temperatures?