Which term describes the subduction of oceanic plates?

Subduction of oceanic plates refers to the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle as the plates converge. This typically occurs in regions where an oceanic plate converges with either another oceanic plate or a continental plate, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches, volcanic arcs, and earthquake activity.

The term "convergence" specifically signifies the interaction and collision of tectonic plates, which is essential to the subduction process. In this context, convergence leads to significant geological features and events, including the recycling of the oceanic crust back into the mantle and the generation of magma that can result in volcanic activity.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately describe this phenomenon. "Divergence" would refer to plates moving apart, leading to the formation of new crust, which is the opposite of what happens during subduction. "Transform" describes plates sliding past each other without significant vertical movement, while "static" implies no movement at all, which does not apply to the dynamic nature of tectonic plate interactions.