Subduction Zone Science
Most of the world’s earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and volcanic eruptions are caused by the continuous motions of the many tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s outer shell. The most powerful of these natural hazards occur in subduction zones, where two plates collide and one is thrust beneath another.
Reducing Risk Where Tectonic Plates Collide—Fact Sheet & Science Plan
![3D computer image shows corrugations beneath the seafloor where tectonic plates move past each other.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/info_block/public/thumbnails/image/Grooves2.jpg?itok=naQlBRrC)
The USGS Science Plan, “Reducing Risk Where Tectonic Plates Collide” is a blueprint for building the crucial scientific foundation needed to inform the policies and practices that can make our Nation more resilient to subduction zone-related hazards.