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The Low Velocity Zone (LVZ) in the upper mantle is probably caused by which of the following?

A. swiftly convecting mantle rock
B. the remnants of subducted tectonic plates
C. partial melting of mantle rock
D. evaporation of water trapped in the pores of mantle rock
E. the conversion of graphite to diamond

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Low Velocity Zone (LVZ) in the upper mantle is caused by partially melting mantle rock. Heating of the lithospheric region above a subducting plate and the presence of hot spots can lower the melting temperature of the rock, leading to magma production and volcano formation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Low Velocity Zone (LVZ) in the upper mantle is probably caused by partially melting mantle rock. When the lithospheric region above a subducting plate is heated, the melting temperature of the mantle rock is lowered, leading to the production of magma.

Another way the rock can melt is through the presence of a hot spot, which is a region of increased temperature caused by mantle plumes. The hot spot can cause the lithospheric region to melt and result in the formation of volcanoes.

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