## Earthquake Depths and Tectonic Plates Interaction### Map AnalysisThe map depicts reported earthquake focus depths and their magnitudes along tectonic plate boundaries. It illustrates the varying depths at which earthquakes occur, indicated by different colored dots.### Legend and Interpretation- **Depth Categories:** - Yellow dots represent shallow earthquakes (0–40 km deep). - Orange dots indicate intermediate depths (40–80 km). - Red dots represent deeper earthquakes (80–150 km). - Purple dots indicate even greater depths (150–300 km). - Magenta dots represent the deepest focus events (>300 km).- **Tectonic Features:** - **Red Lines:** Tectonic plate boundaries. - **Black Lines:** Political boundaries for geographical reference.### Magnitude Representation- Circles of varying sizes represent earthquake magnitudes, from M3 to M8.### Key Observations and Question- **Markers:** - **A and B:** Locations on the map relevant to the quiz question below.The map's data prompt the analysis of tectonic activity, particularly identifying subduction zones:#### Question:_This map of reported earthquake focus depths indicates that:_- **Option 1:** Plate A is subducting northward under Plate B- **Option 2:** Plate B is subducting southward under Plate A- **Option 3:** Neither plate is being subductedThis visual and analytical exercise aids in understanding plate tectonics and the relationship between earthquake occurrences and tectonic movement.

Subduction zone is the zone at the boundary of converging plates, where heavier plate (oceanic) is subducting below the lighter one. The zone is very susceptible to seismic and volcanic activities. From the map, it is very clear that the depth is increasing as one is moving towards B away from the boundary (upper side). So B is oceanic plate and A is continental plate. At convergent plate, plate B, which is oceanic and heavier is subducting below the plate A.Answer: Plate B is subducting southward under plate A.