Concept in Definition ABC

The Volcanic eruptions They are one of the ground forces that impact us the most and with the most destructive capacity.

When a volcano erupts emits heat, gases and minerals that come from its interior. As for the formation of volcanoes, they are created from the tectonic plates that make up the Earth and that when they collide produce a volcanic formation. Inside there is a hot material at great depth, which has an upward trend that ends up spilling over the Earth crust.

The formation of magma

When we speak of hot material we refer to magma, which is a mixture of molten rock and volatile or solid-type compounds. The term magma is of Greek origin and could be translated as mixture or paste.

The formation of magma inside the volcano is formed slowly from the melting of rocks that, in turn, are produced by the pressure existing in the deepest layers of the earth. Keep in mind that the substance liquid magma is also given by the high temperatures in the bowels of the earth. On the other hand, magma only occurs in some continental areas, the so-called subduction zones. In this way, magma is the result of pressure,

temperature and geological conditions. As for its exact location, it is in the magmatic chamber inside the Earth.

When a volcano erupts, magma comes out and turns into lava. However, sometimes the magma cools inside the earth and the so-called plutonic processes occur. (They basically consist of the solidification of the magmatic material and only occur when the magma does not come out to the surface).

The set of changes that affect magma are studied by volcanology, a section that is part of the science of geology.

Appearance and chemical composition

Magma appears viscous and fluid. His composition chemistry is not homogeneous and can vary depending on ambient conditions and temperature as rule Generally, it is composed of silicon dioxide, potassium, iron, magnesium, aluminum and sodium, as well as Water, carbon dioxide and other less common elements (for example, sulfur or phosphorus). This variety implies that not all magmas are the same, so the variety of chemical processes that affect it is studied in a specific section, magmatism.

Photos: iStock - mansum008 / mansum008

Topics in Magma