What role does water play in generating magma?
A)Water lubricates the path for subducting plates, allowing them to subduct deeper.
B)Water lowers the density of the rock, allowing it to melt.
C)Water cools the rock, preventing melting.
D)Water lowers the melting temperature of the rock, allowing it to melt.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water lowers the melting temperature of the rock, allowing it to melt. As water is introduced into the mantle, it can lower the melting temperature of the surrounding rock, which can cause it to melt and generate magma. This is especially important in the processes of subduction, where water is carried down into the mantle with subducting plates, facilitating melting and the formation of magma.

What Role Does Water Play in Generating Magma