A global compositional dichotomy for N-MORB magma (N1/N2) is recognized on the basis of Na2O, TiO2, CaO, and Al2O3 contents, and their respective ratios. We have characterized the two magma sub-types by means of their trace element patterns, and attempted to explain the differences in major and trace element contents in terms of a partial melting model, using data from DSDP/IPOD Leg 82. Mass balance calculations for N-MORB glass and rock compositions indicate that differences between N1-and N2-MORB are consistent with simple differences (5%–10%) in the degree of partial melting of a plagioclase-(±spinel) lherzolite, at pressures <10 kbar, rather than their respective derivation from plagioclase- and spinel-lher-zolite sources. Based on published and calculated partition coefficients, and calculated source magmaphile trace element compositions, the calculations indicate that the overall range of N-MORB compositions may be derived by between approximately 8% and 20% partial melting of a fertile lherzolite source. Fluid dynamic and melt kinematic considerations will probably necessitate refinement of the model, but should also take account of its qualitative precepts.