Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What happens when magma reaches the surface of the Earth?

1. It solidifies into granite

2. It cools underground

3. A volcano is formed

4. It evaporates into the atmosphere

The correct answer is: A volcano is formed

When magma reaches the surface of the Earth, it is referred to as lava. The emergence of this lava can lead to the formation of a volcano. The process begins when pressure builds up within the Earth's crust and magma finds a path to the surface, typically through faults or fractures. Once at the surface, the lava can erupt, resulting in volcanic activity. Over time, as more eruptions occur, layers of lava and volcanic materials accumulate, building up a volcanic structure. The formation of a volcano is a critical aspect of how Earth’s geological processes work. Volcanoes can vary greatly in size and shape, and their eruptions can be explosive or effusive, depending on the viscosity of the lava and the gases present. Understanding this process is essential in the study of geology and helps explain various volcanic activity patterns observed around the world.