What is volcanism?
Q: What is volcanism?
A: Volcanism is the eruption of magma onto the surface of the Earth.
Q: What is magma?
A: Magma is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface.
Q: Why does magma rise to the Earth's surface?
A: When folding and faulting occur, cracks or fractures appear in the crust which act as lines of weakness. When these lines reach the magma they cause the pressure to be released, allowing the magma to rise up the crust and eventually reach the Earth's surface.
Q: What is lava?
A: Lava is magma that has reached the Earth's surface.
Q: How does volcanism affect the Earth's surface?
A: Volcanism can cause the formation of new land (such as volcanic islands) or alteration of existing land by adding layers of ash and rock.
Q: What is the cause of cracks and fractures on the Earth's surface?
A: Cracks and fractures on the Earth's surface occur due to folding and faulting.
Q: Can magma reach the Earth's surface?
A: Yes, magma can reach the Earth's surface as lava after rising up along lines of weakness in the crust.
