The oceanic lithosphere has a relatively short and simple history in comparison to the continents. Yet important questions remain regarding even this simple realization of tectonic plates. Much has been learned about oceanic plate formation and destruction processes but our knowledge about ageing and alteration reactions away from plate boundaries remains limited. New insights on melting processes at the ridge, high- and low-temperature hydrothermal fluid flow, plate thickening with age (or lack there-of), and finally slab recycling into the mantle are of broad interest. We welcome submissions investigating melting as well as hydrothermal processes or the evolution and state of the oceanic plate. Methods may include seismic imaging, geodynamic modeling, geochemistry, tectonics, experimental results with integrated combinations and insight.