velocity. A higher degree of serpentinization will lead to lower shear wave velocity and higher Poisson's ratio. Seismic measurements confirm that serpentinization is pervasive in forearc mantle. The serpentinization can produce an inverted Moho discontinuity, in which seismic velocity abruptly decreases across the crust-mantle boundary, which is the opposite of the usual behavior. The serpentinite is highly deformable, creating an aseismic zone in the forearc, at which serpentinites slide at stable plate velocity. The presence of serpentinite may limit the maximum depth of megathrust earthquakes as they impede rupture into the forearc mantle. See also Schikorr reaction Serpentine subgroup Serpentinite Soapstone Hydrogen cycle Forearc References External links The Lost City hydrothermal field, Mid-Atlantic ridge: serpentinization, the driving force of the system. H2-rich fluids from serpentinization: Geochemical and biotic implications: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Metamorphic petrology Geological processes