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When does magma turn into a liquid and erupt? When it receives more pressure When the pressure on it decreases When it cools down

Ask by Chandler Hodges. in the United States
Feb 25,2025

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Magma erupts when the pressure on it decreases.

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Magma erupts when the pressure on it decreases. Deep beneath Earth’s surface, magma is under high pressure, which keeps many gases dissolved in the molten rock. When magma rises toward the surface, the drop in pressure allows these dissolved gases to come out of solution, forming bubbles. The rapid expansion of these gases can cause the magma to become more fluid and violent as it erupts. Cooling the magma generally causes it to solidify rather than erupt, and increasing pressure would actually tend to keep the gases dissolved.

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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!

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