The arc-arc collision zone of the Molucca Sea plate is characterized as a thick, low velocity layer, which is highly variable in density.

[3][6] The variable in density of the Molucca Sea plate led to different subduction velocities on the two sides.

[3] Divergent Double Subduction may facilitate various tectonic processes, including closure of ocean basins, accretion and amalgamation of volcanic arcs, and growth of continents.

[4] The most recent large earthquake occurred in January 2017 when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake deep beneath the Celebes Sea, which the USGS attributed to the “deep reverse faulting within the inclined seismic zone defining the deep limit of the Molucca Sea microplate beneath the Celebes Sea Basin.”[7] The geologic characteristics displayed on the surrounding islands provide insight regarding the complex plate movement of the divergent double subducting plate.

[8] Exposed ophiolitic rocks can be found on the islands of the submarine Talaud-Mayu Ridge, which bisects the arc-arc collision zone of the Molucca Sea plate; these ophiolites provide insight regarding the relationship between earthquakes and uplift surrounding the plate.