Discovery of Direct Evidence to Support that Magma Exists Beneath the Oceanic Plate
Research Press Release | November 06, 2014
Press Release | ||
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Key Points |
・Direct proof that magma exists beneath the oceanic plate—which has been long predicted—was confirmed. ・It was also proven that it erupted for several million years. ・It is now proposed that magma exists beneath oceanic plates around the world. |
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Overview | The outer layer of the Earth is covered by slowly moving rock layers called plates. Movement of these plates causes earthquakes, magma eruption, and development of geographical features. The plates and the mantle under them are comprised of rock, and when the plates move, intense friction is generated between both layers. If magma existed between them, it would act like a lubricant, and would more easily explain how the plates can move smoothly. With this in mind, the possibility that magma exists beneath oceanic plates has long been suspected, and now there is evidence to support the claim of this extremely elusive magma. | |
Inquiries |
Junji Yamamoto, Associate Professor, Hokkaido University Museum TEL: +81-11-706-4733 FAX:+81-11-706-4029 E-mail: jyama@museum.hokudai.ac.jp |
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Japanese Link |
海洋プレート直下にひそむマグマの証拠を発見 | |
Publications | Melt-rich lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary inferred from petit-spot volcanoes (Geology, 2014.9.26) |