Which of the following statements about volatiles is true?
A) Carbon dioxide is the most abundant gas in volcanoes.
B) Magmas that contain little water erupt violently.
C) Water content determines the violence of a volcanic eruption.
D) Water exposed to high temperatures of magma becomes a solid.
E) Basaltic magmas have the highest volatile content.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The water content in magma is a significant factor in determining the explosiveness of a volcanic eruption. More water means more explosive eruptions, while less water means less explosive eruptions. The other options are untrue. Carbon dioxide is present in volcanic gases, but it is not the most abundant gas. Magmas with little water may erupt violently, but this is not always the case. Water exposed to high temperatures of magma may turn into steam or gas, but it does not become solid. Basaltic magmas have low volatile content compared to other types of magma.

Which of the Following Statements About Volatiles Is True