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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Lava and Magma?

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The main difference between lava and magma is their location and cooling process. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Magma: This refers to molten rock that is still trapped underground, stored in the Earth's crust. Magma is composed of molten rock and can vary in its chemical composition, which gives it different properties.
  • Lava: Lava is molten rock that has erupted and reached the Earth's surface through a volcano vent. Once magma reaches the surface and cools off on the Earth's surface, it becomes lava. Lava is exposed to air, unlike magma.

In summary, magma and lava are essentially the same substance, but their distinguishing factor lies in their location and whether they have cooled on the Earth's surface or are still underground.

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  • What is the Difference Between Lava and Magma?
  • Comparative Table: Lava vs Magma

    • Comparative Table: Lava vs Magma

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between lava and magma:

    Feature Magma Lava
    Definition Molten rock composed of molten or semi-molten rock, volatiles (such as water vapor and carbon dioxide), and sometimes crystals; found beneath the Earth's surface Molten rock that reaches the Earth's surface through a volcanic vent or fissure
    Location Occurs beneath the Earth's surface, in the mantle, and in chambers beneath volcanoes Occurs on the Earth's surface after erupting from a volcano
    Temperature Ranges from 1300 to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit Ranges from 1300 to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit
    Composition Combination of molten or semi-molten rock and volatiles Composed of molten rock that has been expelled from the Earth's surface
    Role in Earth's Geology Solidifies into intrusive or plutonic rocks like granite when it cools underground Solidifies into extrusive or volcanic rocks like basalt when it cools on the surface

    Both magma and lava are terms used in volcanology and are related to the molten rock that emerges from below the Earth's surface. However, magma refers to the molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, while lava is the molten rock that reaches the surface through a volcanic vent or fissure.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.