How Magmas Form

How does melting take place?

Rocks are made up of different minerals that have different melting points. When hot rocks begin to melt deep down beneath the surface, some of the minerals start to melt but others stay solid.

Where does melting take place?

There isn’t a layer of molten rock waiting to burst out! The rock of the Earth’s mantle layer only begins to melt in a few zones where it is disturbed in some way (see volcanoes map on next page).

Why does melting take place?

Surprisingly, not just because it’s hot deep down beneath the Earth’s surface! Other factors that may cause rocks to melt include changes in pressure, or the presence of water within the rock.