Which process initiates island arc formation when oceanic lithosphere converges?

💡 Explanation

When oceanic lithosphere subducts, the process of hydration-induced flux melting occurs because water released from subducting slab lowers the mantle wedge's melting point, leading to magma generation and island arc volcanism. Therefore flux melting leads to volcanism, rather than plume upwelling, delamination, or extension, which require different stress regimes.

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