What term describes a weak spot in the Earth's crust where magma reaches the surface?

Prepare for the TExES Science 7-12 Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that describes a weak spot in the Earth's crust where magma reaches the surface is "volcano." A volcano forms when magma from beneath the Earth's crust finds a pathway to the surface, resulting in the eruption of lava, ash, and gases. This process occurs at tectonic plate boundaries or over hotspots, where the crust is thinner or weakened, allowing the magma to escape.

In contrast, a fault refers to a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, where movement has occurred. The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake, not related to the movement of magma. A crater is a bowl-shaped depression at the top of a volcano formed by volcanic activity, but it is not the term for the weak spot itself where magma comes to the surface. Thus, "volcano" is the most accurate term for this geological feature.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy