Crystal Settling

A process by which crystals forming in a magmaMolten silicate (rock) beneath the surface of a planetary body or moon. When it reaches the surface, magma is called lava. Click on Term to Read More will sink toward the bottom of the magma chamber due to their greater densityMass of an object divided by its volume. Density is a characteristic property of a substance (rock vs. ice, e.g.). Some substances (like gases) are easily compressible and have different densities depending on how much pressure is exerted upon them. The Sun is composed of compressible gases and is much Click on Term to Read More than surrounding liquid, and are unavailable for further reaction with said liquid. This sinking occurs under the influence of gravityAttractive force between all matter - one of the four fundamental forces. Click on Term to Read More and is sometimes aided by magmatic convectionTransfer of heat energy by moving material. Temperatures increases with depth in planetary objects. Deep hot less-dense material physically rises and cools, releasing heat and becoming denser. The now cooler denser material sinks back into deeper regions, where it will be reheated and rise again. Convection is an important mechanism Click on Term to Read More.