Share This Story. The largest earthquakes in the world occur along subduction zones, the meeting point of two tectonic plants where one subducts (or sinks) beneath the other. The magnitude 9.2 earthquake in December 2004 is one of the strongest quakes in recent history.hare This Story. The largest earthquakes in the world occur along subduction zones, the meeting point of two tectonic plants where one subducts (or sinks) beneath the other. The magnitude 9.2 earthquake in December 2004 is one of the strongest quakes in recent history.