Archivo: Flux of crustal material in the mantle

Description: The pale blue arrows indicate the ultimate destiny of crustal material that is subducted into the mantle. The material may be incorporated into mantle plumes, recycled into overlying volcanic arcs, descend wholly to the core-mantle boundary (a proposed "slab graveyard") or absorbed into the mantle proper, mingling with the "crystal mush" and eventually being incorporated into mantle-characterized igneous rocks (like those at a mid-ocean ridge).
Title: Flux of crustal material in the mantle
Credit: Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.
Author: Erin Walde
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