Decompression melting at a divergent boundary produces which type of magma and forms which rocks?

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Study for the Introduction to Physical Geology Exam with quizzes and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to help you prepare effectively. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Decompression melting at a divergent boundary produces which type of magma and forms which rocks?

Explanation:
At divergent boundaries, mantle material rises and pressure drops, causing decompression melting. This melting produces basaltic magma, which is mafic in composition (rich in Mg and Fe, relatively low in silica). As this magma moves upward, it can crystallize underground to form gabbro (an intrusive rock) or erupt at the surface to form basalt (an extrusive rock). So the magma is mafic, and it forms both extrusive and intrusive rocks.

At divergent boundaries, mantle material rises and pressure drops, causing decompression melting. This melting produces basaltic magma, which is mafic in composition (rich in Mg and Fe, relatively low in silica). As this magma moves upward, it can crystallize underground to form gabbro (an intrusive rock) or erupt at the surface to form basalt (an extrusive rock). So the magma is mafic, and it forms both extrusive and intrusive rocks.

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