CONCERN OVER GIBRALTAR STRAIT SUBDUCTION ZONE

Recently scientists have expressed concern about the future of the Atlantic Ocean. They have identified a subduction zone beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, located between Spain and Morocco.

1. A narrow gap separates Europe and Africa, marking the meeting point of the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate.
2. The Atlantic Ocean may witness the formation of a new subduction system similar to the Pacific Ocean Ring of Fire, where subduction zones encircle the Pacific Ocean.

Subduction Process: Subduction zones occur where tectonic plates interact, with one plate diving beneath the other. In this example, the African Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate, resulting in seismic activity and earthquake risk.

3. Shrinking Ocean Basin:  The subduction process could lead to the shrinking of the ocean basin, ultimately closing off the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Expanding Subduction Zone: At present, the subduction zone is relatively small, measuring about 125 miles in length. However, projections indicate that it could increase significantly over the next two decades, potentially expanding by nearly 500 miles.

1. This extended phenomenon is called "subduction invasion", where the subduction zone encroaches over a wider area.

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