The Difference Between Lava and Magma
Introduction
Lava and magma are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are significant differences between the two. Both substances are related to volcanic activity, but they have distinct properties and behaviors. Understanding these differences is essential for scientists and anyone interested in the geological processes that shape our planet.
What is Magma?
Magma is a molten rock that is located beneath the Earth’s surface. The substance is created when rocks and minerals are melted by intense heat and pressure. Magma is formed deep within the earth and is under extreme pressure, which affects its viscosity, or how easily it flows. It is typically composed of a mixture of silicate minerals, dissolved gases, and trace elements.
What is Lava?
Once magma reaches the Earth’s surface, it is called lava. Lava is essentially magma that has erupted from a volcano or fissure and has cooled and solidified. Lava flows can take on many different forms, from slow-moving, viscous flows to fast-moving, explosive streams. The properties of lava depend on the properties of the magma from which they come.
Differences in Appearance
One of the most noticeable differences between lava and magma is their appearance. Magma is not visible from the surface, while lava is. Magma is a dense, molten liquid that glows red and white from the intense heat it contains. Lava on the other hand, takes on a range of colors depending on its composition, including black, brown, red, and even green. The texture of lava can also vary, with some lava flows appearing smooth and glassy, and others appearing rough and jagged.
Effects on Environment
The differences in viscosity and flow rate between magma and lava can also have significant effects on their surrounding environment. Magma can cause earthquakes, as the pressure it creates can lead to fractures in the earth’s surface. When lava erupts, it can create volcanic bombs and lava flows that reshape the landscape around it. Since lava is visible and doesn’t remain beneath the surface of the earth, it poses a more immediate physical threat than magma.
Conclusion
While they are related, magma and lava are two distinct substances with different properties and effects on their environment. Magma is located beneath the earth’s surface and is under extreme pressure, while lava is magma that has erupted from a volcano or fissure and has cooled and solidified. Understanding the differences between these two substances is critical to better understanding the geological processes that shape our planet.
Table difference between lava and magma
| Lava | Magma | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Molten rock that flows out of a volcano onto the Earth’s surface | Molten rock located beneath the Earth’s surface |
| Temperature | 800-1200°C | 700-1300°C |
| Consistency | Thick, slow-moving | Thin, runny |
| Color | Red, orange, yellow | Gray, black, green |
| Composition | High in silica, low in iron and magnesium | Low in silica, high in iron and magnesium |
| Vent location | Above ground volcano | Beneath the Earth’s surface |
| Speed | Relatively slow-moving | Can move quickly and violently |