What is magma and lava with differences

The differences between magma and lava are simple, but, oddly enough, they are often confused one with the other. Above all, to the usual use (and something wrong) that we give to the idea that in a volcanic eruption both are the same.

But they actually depend on your state and location respectively. Since at the end of the day both belong to the same process, only in completely different stages.

Molten rock found inside the earth is called magma . Instead, lava is what passes through the surface of the earth. The characteristic liquid that we see in the eruptions of volcanoes.

What is magma? What is magma and lava with differences

It is the name given to the molten rocks that are found in the interior of the earth, under the subsoil. This qualifier also applies to other planets, as long as the location remains underground.

As magma cools, it crystallizes, which is why it has another name, since it becomes what is commonly known as igneous rocks. Magma in its pure state is divided into three types; Basaltic, andesitic and granitic.

Basalts are the most common and may or may not have high levels of silicon. Andesitic magma for its part is usually hydrated and is found in the continental and oceanic crust.

Finally, granites having a lower melting point can form large supra-terrestrial structures known as “plutons”. That originate when magma emerges from the depths of the earth.

They are also classified according to their mineral composition in; Mafic and Félsicos. Whether magnesium and silicon or sodium and potassium predominate.

What is lava? What is magma and lava with differences

Lava could be said to be “the correlative state of magma”, since lava is the magma material that comes out towards the surface in its liquid form, then when it comes into contact with atmospheric pressure it cools, then under the surface magma is formed.

Its temperature ranges between 840ºC – 860ºC (1562ºF). Therefore, there are only about 5 volcanoes where there are still permanent lava lakes. Since it usually comes out only in eruption stages.

It has a high viscosity (its movement is slow) approximately 100,000 times higher than water. This is in part because lava is molten rock and carries with it many minerals and compounds.

Which are only released at a very high temperature. After a volcanic eruption, the lava that shoots out is capable of forming valleys, mountains and various geological structures.

Main differences

Lava always refers to molten rock that rises to the surface, while magma is molten rock underground.
In the case of lava, when it cools it can form mountains, valleys and depressions of various types. Instead, magma only through its plutonic state forms irregular elevations on the surface.
Magma tends to cool slowly under the earth’s soil, while lava only changes under atmospheric pressure and fluctuating ambient temperatures, which explains why it cools quickly.
Lava corresponds to volcanic eruptions (which form the volcanoes themselves), while magma is constitutive of high subterranean temperatures.

Mohammad Asif Goraya

M A Goraya has qualification of M.phil in Agricultural Sciences. He has almost 15 years of teaching Experience at college and university level. He likes to share his research based knowledge with his students and audience.