How does magma form at subduction zones?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To tackle the question, we first recall the geologic setting of subduction zones and how magma forms there.
Option 1: 'Via decompression melting' is typically associated with mantle upwelling beneath mid-ocean ridges or rift zones, where pressure drops as mantle material rises. In subduction zones, the mantle isn’t primarily decompressing to melt; instead, fluids from the subducting slab alter the mantle, so this option is not the main mechanism.
Option 2: 'Via high temperature melting' would require mantle rocks to melt due to unusually high temperatures alone. At subduction zones, temperatures in the overlying mantle wedge are not high enough to cause melting without additional agents; this makes temperature-driven melting insufficient to explain magma generation there, so this choice is incorrect.
Option 3: 'Via dry melting' implies melting without volatiles. However, subduction zone magmatism is strongly linked to the introduction of fluids (water and other volatiles) from the subducting slab, which lowers melting temperatures. Therefore, dry melting does not describe the principal process here and is inaccurate.
Option 4: 'Via flux (wet-) melting' correctly captures the key mechanism at subduction zones: fluids released from the subducting oceanic crust infiltrate the mantle wedge, lowering the solidus of mantle rocks and promoting partial melting at relatively low temperatures, producing basaltic to andesitic magmas.
In summary, the core idea is that fluids from the subducting slab act as a flux that facilitates melting (wet-melting) of mantle material in the wedge, whereas the other options describe other tectonic settings or melting conditions not characteristic of subduction zone magmatism.

GEL 017 001 SQ 2025 Aloha Quiz 6

How does magma form at subduction zones?

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GEL 017 001 SQ 2025 Aloha Quiz 6

How does magma form at subduction zones?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Arc magmatism is the result of flux melting of the ­­­ [选择] core mantle crust , which occurs when [选择] water flux salt is added, causing the rocks to partially melt. This melt then rises through the mantle and crust .

Arc magmatism is the result of flux melting of the ­­­ [选择] core mantle crust , which occurs when [选择] water flux salt is added, causing the rocks to partially melt. This melt then [选择] rises through the mantle and crust sinks through the mantle and crust .

Arc magmatism is the result of flux melting of the ­­­ [选择] crust mantle core , which occurs when water is added, causing the rocks to partially melt. This melt then [选择] sinks through the mantle and crust rises through the mantle and crust .

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

Economic stress and unpredictable times have resulted in a booming industry for self-help products

People born without creativity never can develop it

A product has a selling price of $20, a contribution margin ratio of 40% and fixed cost of $120,000. To make a profit of $30,000. The number of units that must be sold is: Type the number without $ and a comma. Eg: 20000

Which of the following statement regarding cost is correct:

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Making Your Study Simpler

Arc magmatism is the result of flux melting of the [选择] core mantle crust , which occurs when [选择] water flux salt is added, causing the rocks to partially melt. This melt then rises through the mantle and crust .

Arc magmatism is the result of flux melting of the [选择] core mantle crust , which occurs when [选择] water flux salt is added, causing the rocks to partially melt. This melt then [选择] rises through the mantle and crust sinks through the mantle and crust .

Arc magmatism is the result of flux melting of the [选择] crust mantle core , which occurs when water is added, causing the rocks to partially melt. This melt then [选择] sinks through the mantle and crust rises through the mantle and crust .