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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 Schmidt Murray. in the United States
Feb 25,2025

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Magma erupts when the pressure on it decreases.

Solution

Magma is already molten rock, so it's a liquid while it’s beneath the surface. However, it gains the potential to erupt when the pressure that’s keeping it contained decreases. This reduction in pressure allows dissolved gases to expand (a process known as exsolution), which increases the buoyancy and pressure within the magma. When the pressure becomes too low to hold everything in, the magma can break through to the surface in a volcanic eruption. So, the correct answer is: When the pressure on it decreases.

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Magma is under immense pressure beneath the Earth's crust. When the pressure on it decreases, such as when tectonic plates shift or cracks develop in the rock above, it allows the magma to rise. This process is vital for volcanic eruptions, as the magma becomes less dense than the surrounding rock and seeks a passageway to the surface, resulting in an explosive release of lava, gas, and ash! Interestingly, not all magma eruptions are alike! Depending on the composition of the magma—whether it's viscous and sticky like a thick syrup or more fluid—eruptions can vary from gently flowing lava to explosive blasts. This difference influences the shape of the resulting volcanic landforms, like shield volcanoes or stratovolcanoes, making the study of eruptions both fascinating and vital for understanding our planet's geology!

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