Magma vs. Lava: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 19, 2024
Magma is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, while lava is magma that has erupted onto the surface, cooling and solidifying into igneous rock.
Key Differences
Magma is found beneath the Earth's surface, in the mantle and crust, where high temperatures melt rocks. Lava is what magma becomes once it erupts from a volcano or fissure.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Magma can vary in composition, influencing the type of rock it forms. Lava, upon cooling and solidifying, becomes igneous rock, its type dependent on the original magma composition.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Magma chambers are reservoirs of molten rock deep within the Earth. When this magma reaches the surface, it flows or explodes out as lava, visibly shaping landscapes.
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Jan 19, 2024
The movement of magma beneath the Earth can cause volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Lava flows can create new landforms and drastically alter ecosystems.
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Jan 19, 2024
Magma's properties, such as its viscosity and gas content, determine the nature of a volcanic eruption. Lava flows vary in speed and temperature, influenced by these properties.
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Jan 19, 2024
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Comparison Chart
State Before Eruption
Molten rock, undisturbed
Erupted, flowing or solidifying
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Jan 19, 2024
Composition
Varies, determines eruption type
Same as magma, forms igneous rock
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Jan 19, 2024
Impact on Earth
Causes eruptions, earthquakes
Creates landforms, alters terrain
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Jan 19, 2024
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Magma and Lava Definitions
Magma
Molten rock beneath the Earth's crust.
Geologists study magma to understand volcanic activity.
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Jan 03, 2024
Lava
Can flow or spew during volcanic eruptions.
The lava spewed high into the air.
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Jan 03, 2024
Magma
A mixture of molten or semi-molten rock, volatiles, and solids.
Magma's composition affects the type of eruption.
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Jan 03, 2024
Lava
Magma that reaches the Earth's surface.
Lava flowed from the volcano during the eruption.
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Jan 03, 2024
Magma
Drives volcanic eruptions.
The volcano erupted when pressure in the magma chamber increased.
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Jan 03, 2024
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Lava
Molten rock that solidifies into igneous rock.
The lava cooled to form a new rock formation.
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Magma
Stored in chambers under volcanoes.
Magma chambers can hold vast amounts of molten rock.
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Jan 03, 2024
Magma
The precursor to igneous rock.
Magma cools to form various types of igneous rocks.
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Jan 03, 2024
Lava
Varies in temperature and speed.
The fast-moving lava destroyed everything in its path.
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Jan 03, 2024
Magma
(Geology) The molten rock material under the earth's crust, from which igneous rock is formed by cooling.
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Jan 02, 2024
Lava
Molten rock that reaches the earth's surface through a volcano or fissure.
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Jan 02, 2024
Magma
(Pharmacology) A suspension of particles in a liquid, such as milk of magnesia.
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Jan 02, 2024
Magma
A mixture of finely divided solids with enough liquid to produce a pasty mass.
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Lava
The molten rock ejected by a volcano from its crater or fissured sides.
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Jan 02, 2024
Magma
(Archaic) The residue of fruits after the juice has been expressed; pomace.
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Jan 02, 2024
Magma
(geology) The molten matter within the earth, the source of the material of lava flows, dikes of eruptive rocks, etc.
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Jan 02, 2024
Magma
(mathematics) A basic algebraic structure consisting of a set equipped with a single binary operation.
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Jan 02, 2024
Lava
The melted rock ejected by a volcano from its top or fissured sides. It flows out in streams sometimes miles in length. It also issues from fissures in the earth's surface, and forms beds covering many square miles, as in the Northwestern United States.
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Jan 02, 2024
Lava
Rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
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Jan 02, 2024
Magma
Any crude mixture of mineral or organic matters in the state of a thin paste.
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Jan 02, 2024
Magma
A thick residuum obtained from certain substances after the fluid parts are expressed from them; the grounds which remain after treating a substance with any menstruum, as water or alcohol.
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Jan 02, 2024
Magma
The molten matter within the earth, the source of the material of lava flows, dikes of eruptive rocks, etc.
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Jan 02, 2024
Magma
The amorphous or homogenous matrix or ground mass, as distinguished from well-defined crystals; as, the magma of porphyry.
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Jan 02, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How do magma and lava affect the Earth?
They shape landscapes through eruptions and lava flows.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
How fast does lava flow?
Lava flow speed varies, depending on its viscosity.
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Jan 19, 2024
Does magma composition vary?
Yes, magma composition varies, affecting eruption types.
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Jan 19, 2024
What happens when lava cools?
It solidifies into various forms of igneous rock.
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Jan 19, 2024
Is all magma the same?
No, magma's composition and properties can differ significantly.
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Jan 19, 2024
How is magma studied?
Magma is studied through geological surveys and volcanic monitoring.
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Jan 19, 2024
What determines lava's viscosity?
Lava's viscosity is influenced by its temperature and silica content.
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Jan 19, 2024
What causes magma to erupt?
Magma erupts due to pressure and temperature changes.
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Jan 19, 2024
Can we predict volcanic eruptions?
Predictions are possible but not always accurate.
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Jan 19, 2024
Are there different types of lava flows?
Yes, including pahoehoe, aa, and pillow lava.
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Jan 19, 2024
Can magma be used for energy?
Yes, geothermal energy exploits heat from magma.
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Jan 19, 2024
What are lava tubes?
Lava tubes are natural conduits formed by flowing lava.
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Jan 19, 2024
Do all volcanoes produce the same lava?
No, lava types vary among different volcanoes.
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Jan 19, 2024
What are lava's main components?
Lava consists of molten rock, minerals, and gases.
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Jan 19, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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