Question

Material in a magma, such as water or carbon dioxide whose vapor pressures are sufficiently high for them to be concentrated in any gaseous phase.

A. Volatiles
B. Olivine
C. Silicates
D. Feldspar

Answer 1

In magma, the substances like water or carbon dioxide with high vapor pressures that can become concentrated in gaseous phases are known as volatiles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The material in magma that includes substances such as water or carbon dioxide, which have high vapor pressures leading to their concentration in gaseous phases, is known as volatiles. These are compounds that can evaporate at relatively low temperatures and can become part of the atmosphere if the Earth were slightly warmer.

For instance, if the Earth's temperature exceeded 100 °C (the boiling point of water), the oceans would boil and water vapor would significantly increase in the atmosphere. Volatiles play a crucial role in volcanic activity and are a major component of the gases released during eruptions. In geology, understanding the presence and role of volatiles is essential for studying magmatic processes and volcanic activity.