Convergent Margin Magma Generating Processes
Item
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Title
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Convergent Margin Magma Generating Processes
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Description
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As the oceanic lithosphere subducts at a convergent margin, it dehydrates. The water then moves into the adjacent upper mantle. The “wet” mantle melts at a lower temperature than the dry, allowing magma to form given the geothermal conditions. The melting point of normal "dry" mantle does not intersect the geothermal gradient at the depth of magma formation. Therefore, to melting to occur, water must be introduced into the system. This process is known as flux melting.
In the Cascades, The Juan de Fuca plate is subducting under the North American plate. The water from the Juan de Fuca plate is transferred to the mantle under the North American plate causing magma to form.
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Subject
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Magma Generating processes of the Cascade range
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Creator
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Devon Leach
