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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
State Before Eruption
Molten rock, undisturbed
Erupted, flowing or solidifying
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Composition
Varies, determines eruption type
Same as magma, forms igneous rock
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Impact on Earth
Causes eruptions, earthquakes
Creates landforms, alters terrain
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Magma and Lava Definitions
Magma
Molten rock beneath the Earth's crust.
Geologists study magma to understand volcanic activity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Lava
Can flow or spew during volcanic eruptions.
The lava spewed high into the air.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Magma
A mixture of molten or semi-molten rock, volatiles, and solids.
Magma's composition affects the type of eruption.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Lava
Magma that reaches the Earth's surface.
Lava flowed from the volcano during the eruption.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Magma
Drives volcanic eruptions.
The volcano erupted when pressure in the magma chamber increased.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Lava
Molten rock that solidifies into igneous rock.
The lava cooled to form a new rock formation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Magma
Stored in chambers under volcanoes.
Magma chambers can hold vast amounts of molten rock.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Magma
The precursor to igneous rock.
Magma cools to form various types of igneous rocks.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Lava
Varies in temperature and speed.
The fast-moving lava destroyed everything in its path.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 03, 2024
Magma
(Geology) The molten rock material under the earth's crust, from which igneous rock is formed by cooling.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Lava
Molten rock that reaches the earth's surface through a volcano or fissure.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Magma
(Pharmacology) A suspension of particles in a liquid, such as milk of magnesia.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Magma
A mixture of finely divided solids with enough liquid to produce a pasty mass.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Lava
The molten rock ejected by a volcano from its crater or fissured sides.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Magma
(Archaic) The residue of fruits after the juice has been expressed; pomace.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Magma
(geology) The molten matter within the earth, the source of the material of lava flows, dikes of eruptive rocks, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Magma
(mathematics) A basic algebraic structure consisting of a set equipped with a single binary operation.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Magma
Any crude mixture of mineral or organic matters in the state of a thin paste.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Magma
The molten matter within the earth, the source of the material of lava flows, dikes of eruptive rocks, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Magma
The amorphous or homogenous matrix or ground mass, as distinguished from well-defined crystals; as, the magma of porphyry.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Does magma composition vary?
Yes, magma composition varies, affecting eruption types.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What happens when lava cools?
It solidifies into various forms of igneous rock.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Is all magma the same?
No, magma's composition and properties can differ significantly.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
How is magma studied?
Magma is studied through geological surveys and volcanic monitoring.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What determines lava's viscosity?
Lava's viscosity is influenced by its temperature and silica content.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What causes magma to erupt?
Magma erupts due to pressure and temperature changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Can we predict volcanic eruptions?
Predictions are possible but not always accurate.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Are there different types of lava flows?
Yes, including pahoehoe, aa, and pillow lava.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Can magma be used for energy?
Yes, geothermal energy exploits heat from magma.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What are lava tubes?
Lava tubes are natural conduits formed by flowing lava.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Do all volcanoes produce the same lava?
No, lava types vary among different volcanoes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What are lava's main components?
Lava consists of molten rock, minerals, and gases.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
