Theory 37/Volcanic arcs/Rate lens
Arcs Erupt at Dehydration Rate
The claim
Arc volcanism rate is set by the rate at which the subducting slab releases water rather than by convergence rate.
01Mechanism
Melting requires fluxing of the mantle wedge by slab fluids; the release rate sets how much melt is produced.
02Prediction
Eruption rate should track dehydration.
03Refutation
Eruption rate tracking convergence would remove the water flux.