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In the mantle, temperatures range between 500 to 900 °C (932 to 1,652 °F) at the upper boundary with the crust; to over 4,000 °C (7,230 °F) at the boundary with the core.Although the higher temperatures far exceed the melting points of the mantle rocks at the surface (about 1200 °C for representative peridotite), the mantle is almost exclusively solid. The enormous lithostatic pressure exerted on the mantle prevents melting, because the temperature at which melting begins (the solidus) increases with pressure.

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What is responsible for the partial melting of peridotite beneth the mid-ocean ridges?

An increase in pressure.


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.


How is harzbugite rock made?

Harzburgite rock is formed in the Earth's upper mantle through a process of partial melting of the mantle peridotite rock. This process involves high temperatures and pressure conditions deep within the Earth, causing certain minerals in the peridotite to melt and segregate into different layers, resulting in the formation of harzburgite.


Is periodite a rock or a mineral?

Peridotite is a type of rock that is composed mostly of the mineral olivine, along with other minerals such as pyroxene and spinel. It is commonly found in the Earth's mantle and is associated with the formation of rocks like basalt and gabbro through the process of partial melting.


What rocks would exhibit evidence of partial melting?

Rocks such as migmatites, which are a mixture of igneous and metamorphic rock formed through partial melting, would exhibit evidence of this process. Additionally, some granites and gneisses can show signs of partial melting due to the presence of melt pockets or segregated mineral assemblages.


Can Small amounts of water can lower partial melting temperatures in silicate rocks?

Yes, small amounts of water can lower the partial melting temperatures of silicate rocks by promoting the breakdown of mineral structures, reducing viscosity, and increasing mobility of magma. Water can act as a flux, helping to facilitate melting at lower temperatures.


Would pressure play a role in partial melting?

In so far as pressure affects the melting point of substances, the answer is yes.


What is thought to form by partial melting and in situ crystallization of the melted portion?

migmatite


Which process is the key concept behind smelting metals from ores?

Partial melting


Peridotite is what type texture?

Peridotite is a dense, coarse-grained igneous rock.


Is Peridotite fine or coarse grained?

A peridotite is a dense, coarse-grained igneous rock


Why are volcanic chains associated with convergent boundaries?

partial melting occurs due to subduction.