In magma, which term refers to the molten portion?

In magma, which term refers to the molten portion?

• A. Melt
• B. Crystallized minerals
• C. Dissolved gases
• D. Solid rocks

Answer: (A)

The molten portion is called the melt. In magma, you have a mixture of a liquid phase (the melt), solid mineral crystals, and dissolved gases. The melt is the liquid rock that results from melting; crystallized minerals are the solid crystals that may form or be suspended in the melt, and dissolved gases are volatiles carried in the liquid. Solid rocks refer to the solid state, either before melting or after cooling. So melt is the term that specifically names the molten portion.

The molten portion is called the melt. In magma, you have a mixture of a liquid phase (the melt), solid mineral crystals, and dissolved gases. The melt is the liquid rock that results from melting; crystallized minerals are the solid crystals that may form or be suspended in the melt, and dissolved gases are volatiles carried in the liquid. Solid rocks refer to the solid state, either before melting or after cooling. So melt is the term that specifically names the molten portion.