As two oceanic plates diverge at mid-ocean ridges, melting of the rising mantle occurs due to:
A) decompression
B) the addition of heat
C) the addition of water

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decompression melting occurs as two oceanic plates diverge at mid-ocean ridges, reducing the pressure on the underlying mantle, which leads to melting without necessarily adding heat or water.

As Two Oceanic Plates Diverge at Mid-Ocean Ridges, Melting of the Rising