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← GeographyWhich phenomenon is triggered when a subducting oceanic plate reaches sufficient depth and temperature beneath a volcanic arc?
A)Partial melting of the mantle wedge✓
B)Formation of transform fault systems
C)Rapid increase in seafloor spreading
D)Development of glacial isostatic rebound
💡 Explanation
When a subducting oceanic plate reaches depth, dehydration reactions occur because the increased temperature and pressure cause hydrous minerals to release water, which lowers the mantle's melting point. Therefore partial melting of the mantle wedge results, rather than transform faults, spreading, or rebound that require different tectonic settings or geological processes.
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