How are magma and lava different? These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct stages of the same substance. Magma and lava are both types of molten rock found beneath the Earth’s surface, but they exist in different environments and exhibit different properties.
Magma is the molten rock that resides beneath the Earth’s crust. It is formed when rocks in the Earth’s mantle and crust melt due to high temperatures and pressure. Magma is composed of various minerals and can have a temperature ranging from 700 to 1300 degrees Celsius (1292 to 2372 degrees Fahrenheit). Due to its high viscosity, magma is unable to rise to the surface and remains trapped beneath the Earth’s crust. This trapped magma can accumulate in magma chambers, which are large reservoirs of molten rock.
On the other hand, lava is the molten rock that has reached the Earth’s surface. When magma rises to the surface, it is called lava. The process of magma reaching the surface is known as volcanic eruptions. Once lava is exposed to the Earth’s atmosphere, it cools and solidifies relatively quickly, forming new rock. Lava can flow over large distances and create various landforms, such as shield volcanoes, lava plains, and cinder cones.
One of the key differences between magma and lava is their temperature. Magma is much hotter than lava, as it is located deeper within the Earth’s crust where temperatures are higher. The temperature difference also affects their viscosity. Magma’s high temperature and high pressure cause it to be more fluid and less resistant to flow, while lava, being exposed to the cooler atmosphere, cools down and becomes more viscous.
Another significant difference is their composition. Magma contains a higher proportion of volatiles, such as water, carbon dioxide, and sulfur, which can lead to explosive volcanic eruptions. When these volatiles are released during an eruption, they can cause the lava to become more explosive and form ash, bombs, and pyroclastic flows. In contrast, lava has a lower proportion of volatiles, resulting in less explosive eruptions and smoother flows.
In summary, magma and lava are both molten rock but exist in different environments and exhibit different properties. Magma is the molten rock beneath the Earth’s crust, while lava is the molten rock that has reached the surface. The temperature, viscosity, and composition of magma and lava contribute to the diverse volcanic eruptions and landforms we observe on Earth.
