So, what is the difference between LAVA and MAGMA?
When we talk about the difference between lava and magma, it all comes down to location. As we all know, the earth is layered. We stand on the cool outer crust, and the earth gets warmer and hotter as you get closer to the center. This is because of LOADS of molten rock; known as magma! Magma is wayyy underground. Like thousands of miles down. But when too much heat and pressure build up, the molten rock is forced upwards. Sometimes it is really pushed hard and it bursts through the surface of the Earth! (aka. A VOLCANO ERUPTION!) Magma turns into 'lava' when it comes out of the ground. Even though it is exactly the same as it was before coming out, it is given a different name. It's a bit weird.
Types of magma
There are different types of magma, all depending on their location on the Earth. Different rocks and minerals will be in the magma of different areas. Three types of magma exist on Earth today, and an extinct fourth type is unable to form on our cooled planet. Each magma type has a different chemical make-up, though the types are all mostly made up of silica and other minerals.
Ultramafic Magma
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The types of magma!Basaltic Magma
Felsic Magma
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