Does CO_2 cause partial melting in the low-velocity layer of the mantle?: Comment and reply

Abstract

It is gratifying that Eggler (1976a) shares our conclusion that if CO_2 exists in the upper mantle it would cause partial melting and thus account for the low-velocity zone (Wyllie and Huang, 1975a, 1975b), but less satisfying that he disputes our petrological conclusions. His charge that these are premature needs rebuttal because they have topical applications in petrology and geophysics. Eggler (1976a) stated, "It is difficult to evaluate why my results differ from those of Wyllie and Huang. . . . both sets of results involve a certain amount of extrapolation and inference." The extent of extrapolation can be seen in Figures 1 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 summarize the main differences.