The main cause of melting along subduction zones is the:

A) rise and decompression melting of mantle lithosphere
B) rise and decompression melting of mantle asthenosphere
C) melting of the subducting plate
D) release of water from the subducting plate

Subduction Zones

Areas where one tectonic plate is being forced down into the mantle by another plate, often associated with volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Decompression Melting

The process where rock melts due to a decrease in pressure as it rises closer to the Earth's surface, without an increase in temperature.

Melting Point

The temperature at which a solid substance turns into a liquid under standard atmospheric pressure.