Island Arc Magmatism and Subduction Zones

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to island arc magmatism and the processes involved in subduction zones, helping students understand essential geological concepts.

Island Arc Magmatism

Arcuate volcanic island chains formed along subduction zones, characterized by diverse rock compositions.

Stratovolcanoes

Volcanic landforms that are commonly formed in island arcs, known for explosiveness and layered structure.

Basaltic Andesite

A volcanic rock type that is abundant in island arcs and characterized by a higher silica content than basalt.

Calc-Alkaline Series

A series of volcanic rocks typically associated with subduction zones, enriched in water content.

LILE

Large-Ion-Lithophile Elements, a group of trace elements commonly enriched in subduction-related volcanic rocks.

Oceanic Crust Dehydration

The process by which subducted oceanic crust loses water, influencing melting in the mantle wedge.

Mafic Magma

Low silica content magma rich in iron and magnesium, commonly produced in subduction zones.

Differentiation

The process by which volcanic rocks evolve from mafic to more silica-rich compositions (e.g., basalt to rhyolite).

Subduction Zone

A region where one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to volcanic activity and mountain building.

Eclogite

A high-pressure metamorphic rock that forms from the metamorphism of basalt in subduction zones.