Earth and Life Science
Quarter 1 – Module 7:
Magmatism
Lesson
1 Magmatism
Do you still remember what happened to Taal Volcano last January 12, 2020? Yes, you
are right. This volcano, which is located at the province of Batangas, spewed ash plumes
up to nine miles (14 kilometers) into the air due to a “steam-driven” or phreatic
eruption. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS), for the past two days, over 600 volcanic tremors have been recorded which
was an indication of continuous movement of magma or molten rocks beneath the
volcano. You might be wondering how magma got inside the volcano.
For this module, we will be discussing all about magma; its formation and composition.
What’s In
Picture Analysis
Mount Mayon is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. It erupted for eight
minutes last January 23, 2018, spewing a 3-mile-tall column of debris and volcanic gas. It
exploded at least five more times for two days.
According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), two
"explosion-type earthquakes" had occurred, as well as 18 tremor events — some of
which sent forth fountains of lava. One of the lava flows advanced nearly 2 miles from
the summit's crater.
Observe the picture of Mount Mayon and answer the following.
A. Give three (3) descriptions about the picture.
1.
__________________________________________________________________
2.
___________________________________________________________________
3.
____________________________________________________________________
B. What is the material being extruded by Mount Mayon? Where do you think did
this material come from?
____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Notes to the Teacher
This module will help you understand the concepts of
magmatism . All parts are comprised of various activities. Be
guided with the inst ructions on how you will answer each.
Expectedly, you will meet the target at the end of the module.
What is It
What is Magma?
Magma is composed of semi-liquid hot molten rocks located beneath the Earth,
specifically in the melted mantle rock and oceanic plate. This molten state, when
solidified, creates igneous rocks found on the surface of the Earth.
Do you know the difference between magma and lava? Magma and lava are both
molten rocks. However, they differ in location. Magma is found in the magma chamber
of the volcano while lava is found on the surface of earth once the volcano erupts.
Magmatism is a process under the earth’s crust where formation and movement of
magma occur. So where does these formation and movement take place? These
happen in the lower part of the Earth’s crust and in the upper portion of the mantle,
known as asthenosphere.
Figure 1. Convection Process in Asthenosphere
On the given figure, identify the substances/elements present in magma.
Guide Questions:
1. Which of the following elements
has the highest amount in the magma?
_________________________
2. Which of the following elements
has the lowest amount in the magma?
_________________________
3. What are the top two
Figure 2. Composition of Magma compositions of magma?
_________________________________
How is magma formed?
The magma present in the lower crust and upper mantle of the Earth is formed or
generated through the process of partial melting. In this process, different minerals in
rock melt at different temperature and pressure. Another factor being considered in
this process is the addition of volatile materials such as water and carbon dioxide.
This is a diagram showing how minerals in rocks undergo partial melting.
This solid rock contains The first minerals that Minerals such as biotite
the minerals quartz, melt are quartz and and hornblende
feldspar, biotite, and some types of generally melt last,
hornblende. feldspar. The which changes the
background composition of magma.
represents magma.
Figure 3. The Process of Partial Melting
Melting in the mantle requires one of three possible events to occur:
1. AN INCREASE IN TEMPERATURE: Conduction in mantle happens when heat is
transferred from hotter molten rocks to the Earth’s cold crust. This process is known as
heat transfer. As magma rises, it is often hot enough to melt the rock it touches. It
happens at convergent boundaries, where tectonic plates are crashing together.
Rocks are composed of minerals. These rocks start to melt once the temperature in the
lower crust and upper mantle increases or exceeds the melting point of minerals. The
temperature of mantle is around 1200 degrees Celsius. Rock minerals such as quartz
and feldspar begin to partially melt at around 650-850 degrees Celsius.
Figure 4. Heat Transfer in Convergent Boundary
2. A DECREASE OF PRESSURE: Mantle rocks remain solid when exposed to high
pressure. However, during convection, these rocks tend to go upward (shallower level)
and the pressure is reduced. This triggers the melting of magma. This is known as
decompression melting. This process occurs at the Mid-Ocean Ridge, an underwater
mountain system.
Figure 5. Depression Melting in Mid-Ocean Ridge
3. ADDITION OF VOLATILES: When water or carbon dioxide is added to hot rocks,
flux melting occurs. The melting points of minerals within the rocks decrease. If a rock is
already close to its melting point, the effect of adding these volatiles can be enough to
trigger partial melting. It occurs around subduction zones.
Figure 6. Flux Melting in Subduction Zone
