Magma Forms as Deep as 250 Kilometers (IMAGE) Rice University Caption A schematic cross section of the Earth's interior below oceanic ridges shows the conditions of magma generation. Through experimentation on mantle rocks, Rice University researchers found evidence that magma forms as deep as 250 kilometers inside the Earth's, much deeper than previously thought. Such melting would help explain apparent geophysical and geochemical contradictions that have puzzled geologists for years. Credit Dasgupta Group/Rice University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.