Live Quiz Arena
🎁 1 Free Round Daily
⚡ Enter ArenaQuestion
← GeographyWhich mechanism causes island arc formation when oceanic lithosphere subducts beneath other oceanic lithosphere?
A)Decompression melting from pressure decrease✓
B)Radiation heating from mantle upwelling
C)Conductive cooling enhancing viscosity increasing
D)Shear thickening via frictional solidification
💡 Explanation
When oceanic lithosphere subducts, decompression melting occurs because of reduced pressure on the upwelling mantle wedge, which generates magma that rises and forms volcanic island arcs. Therefore decompression melting results, rather than radiation, conduction or shear thickening which require different thermal processes or material behaviors.
🏆 Up to £1,000 monthly prize pool
Ready for the live challenge? Join the next global round now.
*Terms apply. Skill-based competition.
Related Questions
Browse Geography →- Which risk significantly elevates following prolonged drought cycles in karst landscapes?
- Which mechanism causes meanders to form in mature river streams flowing across flat terrain?
- Which effect intensifies when coastal upwelling brings nutrient-rich deep water to the surface during increased solar radiation?
- Which risk increases when warming temperatures degrade permafrost beneath Arctic infrastructure supports?
- Which outcome is caused by creep along a major fault?
- Which outcome occurs when a rapidly eroding mountain range deposits sediment onto a flat plain?
