Geology of Plutonism and Volcanism

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Questions and Answers

What primarily happens to magma at temperatures over 1300°C?

Magma forms solid rock.

Magma loses all gases.

Magma becomes entirely liquid. (correct)

Magma crystallizes rapidly.

What is a significant outcome of silica tetrahedra linking together in cooling magma?

The magma solidifies instantly.

The magma becomes more explosive.

The magma becomes more viscous. (correct)

The magma becomes less viscous.

What are plutonites?

Metamorphic rocks formed from heat and pressure.

Sedimentary rocks formed from magma.

Igneous rocks formed from crystallization below the Earth's surface. (correct)

Igneous rocks formed from surface eruptions.

Which process causes a volcano to grow from the inside?

Magma intrusion. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a deeper magma chamber generally have on a volcanic eruption?

It strengthens the explosion. Signup and view all the answers

What role does dilated water vapor play in volcanic activity?

It assists the flow of magma towards the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during magma extrusion?

Magma erupts and forms land on the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the explosion strength when magma is present in the lithosphere?

Pressure exerted by magma and gases. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the partial melting of mantle rocks?

Increased temperatures under certain conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is decompression melting?

Melting that occurs when pressure decreases at constant temperature Signup and view all the answers

How does pressure influence the melting points of rocks?

Increased pressure raises melting points Signup and view all the answers

What is flux melting primarily associated with?

The introduction of water or carbon dioxide to a rock Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between magma and the surrounding rock as it moves to the surface?

Magma interacts with the surrounding rock, causing partial melting Signup and view all the answers

What is not a factor in the formation of magma?

Rise in the surface temperature of the Earth Signup and view all the answers

What defines an endogenic process in geology?

Geological processes originating below the Earth's surface Signup and view all the answers

Why do some minerals remain solid during partial melting?

Their melting points are higher than the current temperature Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plutonism

Plutonism encompasses all igneous geological activities occurring below Earth's surface.
Magma intrusion into the crust, unable to reach the surface, creates ideal conditions for metallogenesis (formation of ore deposits).
Essential components like oxides, fluorine, sulfur, and chlorine are necessary for magma creation.
Magma solidifies and crystallizes predominantly within Earth's interior.

Volcanism

Volcanism describes geological phenomena on Earth's surface, including volcano formation and hot springs.
It involves the flow and transportation of igneous material from the planet's interior to the surface.
Movement occurs through cracks (natural pipes) within the upper mantle.
This process can extend to the terrestrial surface in various instances.

Magma Formation

Magma formation, or melting, involves pressure and temperature changes within Earth.
Decompression melting: Melting happens when a rock's pressure decreases while temperature remains roughly constant. This is often in upward movement of mantle material (or near the surface).
Flux melting: Melting occurs when substances like water or carbon dioxide are added to the rock, lowering its melting point. This is particularly significant when the magma passes through the crust in relation to the surrounding rocks.
Temperature greatly impacts the nature of the resultant magma.
- At extremely high temperatures (over 1300°C), magma is largely liquid due to sufficient atomic energy.
- As temperature decreases, silica tetrahedra formation and chain formation (polymerization) lead to higher viscosity, influencing volcanic eruption dynamics.

Magma After Formation

After magma is formed, it can either intrude or extrude.
Intrusion: Magma moves up into a volcano without erupting; it causes growth on the inside, similar to a balloon.
Extrusion: Magma erupts, causing surface land formations (volcanoes) through the release of built-up gas pressure and cracks in the crust.

Factors Influencing Volcanic Eruptions

Magma chamber depth influences the strength and intensity of volcanic eruptions.
- Deeper magma chambers result in more powerful eruptions.
The presence of water vapor and gases in the magma chamber plays a crucial role in eruption dynamics.
Increased pressure due to magma and gases propels magma upwards.
Volcanic activity and igneous rock formation are directly related to the processes and products described.

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Description

Explore the fascinating processes of plutonism and volcanism in geology. This quiz covers magma formation, the role of igneous activity beneath the Earth's surface, and how these processes shape the planet. Test your knowledge on essential components and phenomena related to these geological activities.