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Water plays a crucial role in the melting process at subduction zones by lowering the melting temperature of the Earth's mantle rocks. As the subducting oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, water is released from the subducted crust and sediments, which then infiltrates the mantle wedge above the subducting slab. This water reduces the melting point of the mantle rocks, leading to the formation of magma that rises to the surface and contributes to volcanic activity at subduction zones.

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Where does hydration melting occur?

Hydration melting occurs at subduction zones where water interacts with the solid rock of the descending tectonic plate, lowering its melting temperature and causing it to melt, leading to the formation of magma. This process plays a significant role in generating volcanic activity in these regions.


Is the subduction zone being created or destroyed?

A subduction zone is a tectonic boundary where one tectonic plate is being forced beneath another. So, in a subduction zone, the process of subduction is taking place, rather than being created or destroyed.


Is subduction divergent?

Subduction is a process that takes place at convergent boundaries.


Which process or processes are involved in the sinking of cold ocean plates into the mantle?

The process involved in the sinking of cold oceanic plates into the mantle is called subduction. This occurs at convergent plate boundaries where the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the less dense continental plate. As the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it undergoes partial melting, causing volcanic activity along the subduction zone.


What best describes subduction?

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves beneath another plate at a convergent boundary. This often leads to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs due to the melting of the subducted plate under high pressure and temperature conditions. Subduction zones are known for generating earthquakes and volcanic activity.


What is the process in which the ocean floor sinks into the mantle is called?

The process in which the ocean floor sinks into the mantle is called subduction. This occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another. Subduction zones are associated with deep-sea trenches and volcanic activity.


What process is evident at oceanic trenches?

subduction, which is when one tectonic plate is pushed down beneath another tectonic plate.


What happens after subduction?

After subduction, the denser oceanic plate sinks into the mantle where it undergoes partial melting. This molten material can then rise to the surface through volcanic eruptions, creating volcanic arcs and contributing to the formation of new crust. The process of subduction helps recycle materials in the Earth's crust and plays a key role in plate tectonics.


What is the process called when the oceanic floor sinks into a trench and back into the mantel?

The process is called subduction. Subduction occurs at convergent plate boundaries when one tectonic plate moves beneath another and sinks into the mantle. This process is crucial for the recycling of Earth's lithosphere.


If One seafloor plate slides under another seafloor plate and begins to melt back into magma the name of this process is?

The process is called subduction. This occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where one of the plates is forced beneath the other due to differences in density. The melting of the subducted plate creates magma that can eventually lead to volcanic activity.


By which process is the earths crust returned to the mantle?

The process by which the Earth's crust is returned to the mantle is known as subduction. In subduction zones, oceanic plates are forced beneath continental plates, carrying crustal material back into the mantle where it is recycled. This process is a key part of the Earth's tectonic cycle.


How does the addition of fluid affect the transformation of a rock to magma?

It is believed that the addition of water is necessary for subduction zone volcanoes to form. The water that is present in the oceanic crust when it is subducted raises the pressure within the rock at depth allowing the melting process of the rock to occur. Although heat is present from the moment of subduction, when the heat reaches a temperature to allow the melting of the rock, there is too much pressure for the rock to become fluid. With that addition of water, the pressure on the rock is reduced and the rock is able to partially melt and attain fluidity to start making its way to the surface of the Earth.