Compare and contrast lava and Magma
Lava and magma are both molten rock materials that are found beneath the Earth's surface, but there are key differences between the two:
1. Location: Magma is found beneath the Earth's surface, in the mantle and crust, while lava is when magma erupts onto the Earth's surface through volcanic vents or fissures.
2. Composition: Magma typically contains a mixture of silicate minerals, gases, and dissolved water, while lava is primarily composed of molten rock material with varying amounts of gases.
3. Temperature: Magma is at a higher temperature than lava, with temperatures ranging from 1300 to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit, while lava cools quickly upon reaching the Earth's surface.
4. Viscosity: Magma is typically more viscous than lava, due to its higher temperature and pressure underground, which can affect the flow rate and behavior of the molten rock material.
5. Types: There are different types of magma, such as basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic, which have different characteristics and compositions. Lava can also have different types and compositions depending on the type of magma it originated from.
In summary, magma is the molten rock material beneath the Earth's surface, while lava is when magma reaches the surface and erupts from a volcano. They differ in temperature, composition, viscosity, and location, but are both crucial components of volcanic activity and the Earth's geology.