Which process explains volcanic arc formation along the western edge of South America?

A)Mantle plume upwelling under stability

B)Oceanic plate subduction and partial melting✓

C)Continental crust rifting and extension

D)Transform fault lateral plate movement

💡 Explanation

When the Nazca plate subducts under the South American plate, flux melting occurs because water is released from the subducting slab, lowering the melting point of the mantle wedge, allowing magma to rise and form volcanoes. Therefore subduction and partial melting results, rather than plume upwelling, rifting, or transform fault movement which require different tectonic settings.

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Which process explains volcanic arc formation along the western edge of South America?

💡 Explanation

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