Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 6: Problem 7

What factors control the cooling rate of a magma within the crust? (C)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The cooling rate of magma within the Earth's crust is controlled by five main factors: 1) depth of magma, where greater depths result in slower cooling rates; 2) magma composition, with felsic magma cooling more slowly than mafic magma; 3) magma volume, where larger magma chambers take longer to cool; 4) heat transfer mechanisms, such as conduction and convection; and 5) the presence of water and other fluids, which can enhance heat transfer and increase the cooling rate.

Step by step solution

01

Factor 1: Depth of Magma

The depth at which magma exists within the Earth's crust is an important factor in controlling its cooling rate. Magma is hotter and therefore cools more slowly at great depths, where temperatures are higher, and the surrounding rocks have higher thermal insulating properties. As the depth decreases, the temperature difference between the magma and the surrounding rock decreases, causing the cooling rate to increase.
02

Factor 2: Magma Composition

The composition of the magma also plays a major role in determining its cooling rate. Different types of magma, such as felsic, intermediate, and mafic, have different cooling rates due to the varying amounts of minerals present in them. Felsic magma, which is rich in silica, cools more slowly than mafic magma, which has a lower silica content and higher iron and magnesium content.
03

Factor 3: Magma Volume

The volume of magma also affects its cooling rate. A larger mass of magma will take longer to lose heat than a smaller mass. This means that large magma chambers will take a significantly longer time to cool down compared to small, localized intrusions.
04

Factor 4: Heat Transfer Mechanisms

There are three main mechanisms through which heat is transferred in the Earth's crust: conduction, convection, and radiation. The efficiency of these mechanisms will directly affect the cooling rate of magma. In general, conduction and convection are most important in the crust. In conduction, heat is transferred through direct contact between the hot magma and the surrounding cooler rock, while convection occurs when hot material rises, and cooler material sinks, transferring heat. Higher convection efficiency leads to a faster cooling rate.
05

Factor 5: Presence of Water and Other Fluids

The presence of water and other fluids surrounding the magma can also influence its cooling rate. Water can lower the surrounding rock's melting temperature, which results in increased heat transfer from the magma to the adjacent rock. Moreover, water can transport heat via convection, which can enhance heat loss and thus increases the cooling rate of the magma. Taking all these factors into consideration, we can conclude that the cooling rate of magma within Earth's crust is primarily controlled by depth, magma composition, volume, heat transfer mechanisms, and the presence of water and other fluids in the surrounding rock.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

This photograph shows a nearly horizontal layer of basalt that now crops out as a cliff along the Hudson River, across from New York City. It is parallel to layers of sandstone above and below, and is younger than all of those layers. The basalt intruded at \(190 \mathrm{Ma}\), as Pangaea was breaking apart. What is this body of basalt, and in what geologic setting did it form? (E)

Why does melting take place beneath the axis of a midocean ridge? (E)

What process in the mantle may be responsible for causing hot-spot volcanoes to form? (E)

How does the process of freezing magma resemble that of freezing water? How is it different? (A)

What factors control the viscosity of a melt? (C)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Diverse Places

Read Explanation

River Landscapes

Read Explanation

Coasts Geography

Read Explanation

Living World

Read Explanation

Changing Economic World

Read Explanation

Energy Security

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free