A student concludes, "The transition zone is where minerals change from peridotite in the upper mantle to higher-pressure minerals by reconfiguration of atoms." Evaluate this statement.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transition zone in the Earth's mantle is indeed where minerals, primarily peridotite, undergo a change in structure to form higher-pressure mineral phases due to the increase in pressure. This process involves the reconfiguration of atoms within the minerals, not a complete change in mineral composition or a transition from basalt to peridotite.

A Student Concludes, "The Transition Zone Is Where Minerals Change