Which characteristic does NOT describe slab pull?

Slab pull is a fundamental mechanism that drives the movement of tectonic plates, particularly at subduction zones where oceanic lithosphere descends into the mantle. The process is characterized by several key features:

Subducting oceanic lithosphere being denser than the surrounding asthenosphere is a crucial aspect of slab pull. This density difference creates a gravitational force that pulls the denser plate down into the mantle.

Gravity plays a significant role in slab pull, as it is the driving force that causes the sinking of the denser slab into the less dense asthenosphere. This gravitational interaction is essential in enabling the movement of tectonic plates.

Additionally, slab pull does indeed affect tectonic plate movement by contributing to the overall dynamics and motion of plate boundaries. It is a critical component of the larger framework of plate tectonics that influences how plates interact with one another.

The characteristic that does not accurately describe slab pull is the idea that subducting plates move slower than nonsubducting plates. In fact, subducting plates can move more rapidly due to the forces exerted on them by the weight of the descending slab and the gravitational pull it experiences. This misconception may arise from a misunderstanding of the dynamics at play during subduction, where