Definition of Benioff Zones

Benioff subduction zone

Benioff zones is defined as zones of intermediate and deep-focus earthquakes, dipping 30 to 45 degree from the ocean toward the continents, described by seismologist Hugo Benioff in the 1950s. While Benioff interpreted them as fault planes along continental margins, these zones are now understood to mark the locations where oceanic crust is subducted beneath continental margins at convergent plate margins.

Reference: Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology – Earth Sciences, 2001, Naomi Oreskes.