Paradigm shift for controls on basalt magmatism: Discussion with Lustrino et al on the paper I recently published in Earth-Science Reviews

Abstract

I recently published “Lithosphere thickness controls the extent of mantle melting, depth of melt extraction and basalt compositions in all tectonic settings on Earth – A review and new perspectives” in this journal to demonstratively summarize a major component of my 30-year dedicated research on the basalt problem with the emphasis that the paradigm “mantle potential temperature controls the extent and pressure of mantle melting and basalt compositions” that is inconsistent with observations and experimental petrology must be abandoned. As the change from “temperature control” to “lithosphere thickness control” is fundamental and unfamiliar to many, I encourage members of the community for debate. The community interest in the theme of the paper is reflected by more than 1000 reads and 50 recommendations in RG within 10 days of its publication. In addition to a few email exchanges, the commentary by Lustrino et al. (2022) is the first written discussion with interesting comments of both breadth and depth. Overall, their commentary is more highly affirmative rather than criticism. Most of the comments are not about Niu (2021) but more general and may be shared by the scientific community. Therefore, my response is intended to be thorough, in particular on issues and concepts that I consider the community needs to be correctly informed of. My reply follows four basic principles: [1] I maintain “Objectiveness and open-mindedness (vs. ‘confirmation bias’) are requisite twins for insights and discoveries.”; [2] I express my views based on observations, experimental petrology, well-understood concepts, logical reasoning and objective analysis, rather than personal opinions to “believe” or “disbelieve”; [3] I emphasize that some misattributions may be innocent, but should be avoided because they serve no favor to our science and scientific discussion; and [4] I try to use plain language to ensure my writing readily understood by the reader. For clarity, my reply follows the same numbered questions as in the commentary and I do not discuss issues on which the commenters agree with me. Figures referenced in quotations are those in Niu (2021). For consistency, mantle potential temperature is denoted with TMP (vs. TP)