Decompression melting occurs when a body of rock ascends in the Earth’s mantle, leading to a decrease in pressure while the temperature remains nearly constant, allowing the rock to melt. This process is significant in the formation of mid-ocean ridge basalts, hotspot volcanism, and continental rift zones, contributing to the generation of new crust.
Reference: McKenzie, D., & Bickle, M. J. (1988). “The Volume and Composition of Melt Generated by Extension of the Lithosphere.” Journal of Petrology, 29(3), 625-679.