magma

As magma rises from the mantle to the surface, it releases gases from the deeper portions of the planet.

That can cause the dynamic subterranean forces below volcanoes to produce increased quantities of magma, leading to more frequent eruptions.

“We'd like to instrument the magma so we can really listen to the pulse of the earth,” he adds.

The findings back up a theory that magma formed the Moon's surface around 4.5 billion years ago.

“If it were due to magma that was rising up underneath the ground, we would see really spectacular changes,” Poland said.