What is a "vent" in geological terms?

A "vent" in geological terms specifically refers to an opening where magma flows out. This is primarily associated with volcanic activity, where vents serve as conduits for magma to escape from beneath the Earth's surface to the exterior. When pressure builds up beneath the crust, magma can force its way through these openings, leading to volcanic eruptions. Vents can vary in size and shape and may be found on the surface of a volcano or even under the ocean.

While solid formations in the earth's crust and mineral deposits are components of geological structures, they do not encapsulate the concept of a vent. Similarly, while a cavity filled with gas may represent a different geological feature, it does not accurately define the function or role of a vent in the context of magma movement.