As the magma is

continuously heated, it
goes up. As it rises, gas
bubbles are developed.
The gas bubbles are
trapped and expand
causing the molten
material to swell also,
resulting in a gradual
increase in pressure
within the volcano.
When the pressure
exceeds the strength
of the overlying rock,
fracturing occurs.
The resulting breaks lead to
a further drop in confining
pressure, which in turn
causes even more gas
bubbles to form.
Magma is ejected
out as lava.