Understanding Magma Formation and Characteristics

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What is the main reason that magma tends to rise from within the Earth?

It is more dense than the surrounding solid rock

The decay of radioactive elements like uranium and thorium

It contains dissolved gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide

The liquid rock is less dense than the surrounding solid rock (correct)

Why can magma vary in composition?

Because it contains dissolved gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide

Because it forms when rocks melt and rocks are made of different minerals with different melting points (correct)

Due to the gravitational accumulation and collisions of materials during the early solar system

Because it is leftover from Earth's violent past

What term is used to refer to magma when it reaches the surface of the Earth?

Solid rock

Lava (correct)

Liquid rock

Molten rock

What is a common misconception when people refer to magma?

That it means liquid rock in general Signup and view all the answers

How is magma formed?

When rocks melt as they are made of different minerals with different melting points Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between magma and solid materials according to the text?

Magma is a combination of liquid, solid, and semi-liquid materials. Signup and view all the answers

Where is magma typically located within the Earth?

In the upper mantle and lithosphere Signup and view all the answers

What are some regions where magma accumulates according to the text?

At the boundaries of lithosphere and asthenosphere Signup and view all the answers

What processes allow solid rock to melt within the upper mantle and crust?

Decompression of rising heat and material from mantle plumes or convection currents Signup and view all the answers

What happens as material rising from convection currents experiences a decrease in pressure?

The particles spread out and cause the material to melt due to decompression. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the melting of crust material at subduction zones?

Rising temperatures due to the sinking of one tectonic plate beneath another Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of felsic magma compared to mafic magma?

More viscous and resistant to flow Signup and view all the answers

What happens when magma reaches the Earth's surface?

It solidifies back into rock Signup and view all the answers

What makes magmas formed from mantle plumes different from those formed from melting crust material?

They have higher silica content Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of water in the formation of magma at subduction zones?

It acts as a catalyst for the breakdown of minerals into magma Signup and view all the answers

Understanding Magma Formation and Characteristics

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