Volcanic island arcs and continental volcanic arcs are both associated with convergent plate boundaries. However, the lavas that their volcanoes erupt are different. Where does the lava come from for each type of volcanic arc?

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Volcanic island arcs are constructed on oceanic lithosphere, which is basaltic. When oceanic lithosphere is subducted and dehydrates, the melt derived from flux melting only interacts with the overlying oceanic lithosphere and remains basaltic. However, continental volcanic arcs will see rising mantle-derived magma assimilate continental material that is more silica-rich. This produces andesitic or even rhyolitic magmas.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences