What is the name given to the transition from a solid to a liquid state in geological processes?

The transition from a solid to a liquid state in geological processes is known as melting. This process occurs when temperature increases cause the molecules within a solid to gain enough energy to overcome their rigid structure, allowing them to move freely and transition into the liquid phase. In geology, melting is significant because it is fundamental to the formation of magma in the Earth's mantle and crust, which plays a critical role in various geological phenomena, including volcanic eruptions and the creation of igneous rocks.

The other options represent different processes: solidification refers to the process of a liquid transforming into a solid, which is the opposite of melting. Sublimation is the direct transition from a solid to a gas, bypassing the liquid phase, commonly seen with substances like dry ice. Evaporation describes the transformation of a liquid into a gas, typically at the surface of the liquid, and does not involve a solid state. Thus, melting accurately describes the specific process of transitioning from solid to liquid in the geological context.