Volatiles are that group of compounds with low boiling points (see volatile) that are associated with a planet's or moon's crust and/or atmosphere. Examples include hydrogen, water, carbon dioxide, ammonia and methane, all compounds of C, H, O and/or N. In terrestrial geology, the term more specifically refers to components of magma (mostly water vapor and carbon dioxide) that affect the appearance and strength of volcanoes. Volatiles affect the viscosity of the magma, and the tendency to explosive eruptions. The ability of a liquid to evaporate quickly and at relatively low temperatures. ... General Name, Symbol, Number hydrogen, H, 1 Chemical series nonmetals Group, Period, Block 1, 1, s Appearance colorless Atomic mass 1. ... Impact from a water drop causes an upward rebound jet surrounded by circular capillary waves. ... Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound composed of one carbon and two oxygen atoms. ... Ammonia is a compound with the formula NH3. ... Methane is a chemical compound with the molecular formula CH4. ... Magma is molten rock located beneath the surface of the Earth (or any other terrestrial planet), and which often collects in a magma chamber. ... It has been suggested that multiple sections of steam be merged into this article or section. ... This article is about volcanoes in geology. ...

The Earth's Moon is considered very low in volatiles: its crust contains oxygen chemically bound into the rocks (as eg silicates), but negligible amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen or carbon. Apparent magnitude: up to -12. ... In chemistry, a silicate is a compound consisting of silicon and oxygen (SixOy), one or more metals, and possibly hydrogen. ...

See also

• Aresian Well a scheme to extract volatiles from Mars in support of settlements on e.g. the Moon

External links

• Glossary of planetary astronomy terms
• Volatiles of Costa Rican volcanoes.