What is slab rollback?

Slab rollback refers to a geological process where tectonic plates, specifically oceanic lithosphere, subduct or sink back into the mantle beneath continental plates or other oceanic plates, often due to the weight and density of the slab. This process can lead to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs. It plays a significant role in plate tectonics and can influence seismic activity and the recycling of materials within the Earth's crust and mantle.