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Yes, the main mechanism for melting in decompression melting involves ultramafic mantle rock. As tectonic plates move apart, the pressure on the mantle rock decreases, allowing it to melt at higher temperatures. This process is primarily responsible for the generation of magma at mid-ocean ridges and other divergent boundaries. The resulting melt is typically basaltic in composition, originating from the ultramafic materials found in the upper mantle.

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What depth does partial melting of the ultramafic mantle occur?

Partial melting of the ultramafic mantle typically occurs at depths ranging from about 30 to 100 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface, depending on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of volatiles like water. This process is often associated with tectonic settings such as mid-ocean ridges or subduction zones, where decompression or the introduction of water can lower the melting point of mantle materials, leading to the formation of magma.


What is the main mechanism for melting at spreading ridges?

The main mechanism for melting at spreading ridges is decompression melting. As tectonic plates diverge at these ridges, the mantle material rises to fill the gap. This rise reduces the pressure on the mantle rocks, causing them to melt and form magma. The resulting magma then contributes to the formation of new oceanic crust as it erupts and solidifies at the surface.


What is decompression melting how it relates to Earths internal convection?

Decompression melting occurs when a decrease in pressure on a mantle rock causes it to melt without an increase in temperature. This process is related to Earth's internal convection because rising mantle material undergoes decompression as it moves towards the surface, leading to melting and the formation of magma chambers.


Why would decompression of mantle peridotite cause the production of mafic magma?

Melting points vary with pressure. In nearly all substances the melting point increases with increasing pressure. The peridotite in the mantle is extremely hot and under immense pressure. When it is decompressed some melting occurs. The composition is not uniform and some minerals have lower melting points than others. The mafic minerals will be able to melt while the ultramafic mineralls generally will not.


The type of melting caused by a decrease in pressure is called what geology?

The type of melting caused by a decrease in pressure is called decompression melting. This process occurs when mantle rocks rise towards the Earth's surface, reducing the pressure on them and allowing them to melt at lower temperatures. Decompression melting is common at mid-ocean ridges and hot spots, where tectonic activity leads to the uplift of mantle materials.

Related Questions

What depth does partial melting of the ultramafic mantle occur?

Partial melting of the ultramafic mantle typically occurs at depths ranging from about 30 to 100 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface, depending on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of volatiles like water. This process is often associated with tectonic settings such as mid-ocean ridges or subduction zones, where decompression or the introduction of water can lower the melting point of mantle materials, leading to the formation of magma.


What is the main mechanism for melting at spreading ridges?

The main mechanism for melting at spreading ridges is decompression melting. As tectonic plates diverge at these ridges, the mantle material rises to fill the gap. This rise reduces the pressure on the mantle rocks, causing them to melt and form magma. The resulting magma then contributes to the formation of new oceanic crust as it erupts and solidifies at the surface.


What is decompression melting how it relates to Earths internal convection?

Decompression melting occurs when a decrease in pressure on a mantle rock causes it to melt without an increase in temperature. This process is related to Earth's internal convection because rising mantle material undergoes decompression as it moves towards the surface, leading to melting and the formation of magma chambers.


Does the mantle have mafic or felsic in it?

The mantle is ultramafic.


Why would decompression of mantle peridotite cause the production of mafic magma?

Melting points vary with pressure. In nearly all substances the melting point increases with increasing pressure. The peridotite in the mantle is extremely hot and under immense pressure. When it is decompressed some melting occurs. The composition is not uniform and some minerals have lower melting points than others. The mafic minerals will be able to melt while the ultramafic mineralls generally will not.


Does the mantle have granite?

No; granite is a felsic rock formed by either melting of contintal crust or extreme differentiation of more mafic magmas. The mantle is predominantly made up of an ultramafic rock known as peridotite.


A majority of the melts in the Earth form through the partial melting of ultramafic mantle rock These newly-formed magmas are?

Rich in magnesium and iron due to their origin from ultramafic mantle rock. They are usually less viscous compared to melts formed from other types of rock. The composition of these magmas can vary depending on the degree of partial melting and the specific mantle source.


The type of melting caused by a decrease in pressure is called what geology?

The type of melting caused by a decrease in pressure is called decompression melting. This process occurs when mantle rocks rise towards the Earth's surface, reducing the pressure on them and allowing them to melt at lower temperatures. Decompression melting is common at mid-ocean ridges and hot spots, where tectonic activity leads to the uplift of mantle materials.


What is the primary process involved in the formation of magma at a rift?

Decompression melting of extremely hot mantle rock as it rises toward the surface.


WHAT ARE Mantle rocks classified as?

Mantle rock is classified as ultramafic igneous rock.


Mafic magma is generated at divergent boundaries because of?

Mafic magma is generated at divergent boundaries because of decompression melting caused by the upwelling of hot mantle material due to the pulling apart of tectonic plates. As the plates move away from each other, the decrease in pressure enables the mantle material to melt and form mafic magma.


Is the following sentence true or false when solid mantle rock rises during seafloor spreading magma is produced as a result of decompression melting?

True. When solid mantle rock rises during seafloor spreading, the decrease in pressure causes decompression melting, resulting in the production of magma. This magma can then rise to the surface and form new oceanic crust.