Trauger gas was a toxin created by the underground volcanic activity of Socorro. Extreme underground pressure resulted in steam vents of trauger gas on the planet's surface. Though uncommon in most open desert areas on Socorro, such vents were frequently seen in the planet's polar regions. In the wake of these expulsions of steam, the Trauger compound remained as an invisible and odorless gas. It consisted of four stages of matter, including plasma gas. Combined with water, this gas created a remarkably potent acid. Inhabitants of Socorro often kept maps of known trauger gas emissions, and even enclosed ships were warned to avoid these areas.