Melting of the mantle can be investigated through experiments that simulate the conditions and the composition of the mantle. The basalts that erupt on the sea floor and the melts produced in experiments can be compared to imply the depth of melting, the amount of melting of the mantle and temperatures in the mantle. The principal investigator proposes to continue experiments with a new and innovative technique that has already been used successfully. These experiments will lead to a better understanding of melt generation in the mantle.
