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Which process exacerbates mantle wedge melting in subduction zones?

A)Dehydration of the subducting slab
B)Conductive heat transfer from asthenosphere
C)Increased lithostatic pressure in the wedge
D)Radiative heat gain from solar insolation

💡 Explanation

When a subducting slab descends, the progressive increase in pressure causes dehydration metamorphism because hydrous minerals release water into the mantle wedge, decreasing the wedge's melting point and promoting partial melting . Therefore dehydration is the main trigger, instead of conductive heat, pressure increase, or radiative heating which have minor localised effects.

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