Why are dissolved gases present in magma, but not lava?
A) The gases condense to form liquids once magma hits the earth's surface.
B) The gases escape once magma hits the earth's surface.
C) The gases combust once magma hits the earth's surface.
D) The gases crystallize once magma hits the earth's surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gases dissolved in magma are under pressure due to the weight of overlying rock, but when magma reaches the surface and the pressure is released, the gases escape as bubbles. Once the magma solidifies into lava, any remaining gases are trapped and cannot escape.

Why Are Dissolved Gases Present in Magma, but Not Lava