When does magma turn into a liquid and erupt? When it receives more pressure When the pressure on it decreases When it cools down
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Magma turns into a liquid and erupts primarily when the pressure on it decreases. This can happen when there are fractures and weaknesses in the overlying rock, allowing the magma to rise. As it ascends, the pressure drops, which can cause the magma to partially melt and become more fluid, leading to explosive eruptions or more gentle effusions, depending on its composition. A common mistake is thinking cooling is what triggers eruptions. In reality, cooling often occurs after magma rises and erupts. Instead, factors like gas content, pressure changes, and magma composition greatly influence whether magma stays trapped underground or makes a furious dash to the surface. Understanding these dynamics can help demystify the exciting world of volcanology!