Before going into the difference between magma and lava, you must understand them individually. Furthermore, you must also note a few related details to have a better understanding of their difference.
Magma: Definition, Composition, and Types
The severely hot semi-liquid and liquid rock present in the earth’s crust is termed magma. Moreover, the planet earth consists of different layers, namely – inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. While understanding magma definition, you must note it is significantly present in the earth’s mantle. However, this molten material propels through cracks and holes in the exterior surface, which creates a volcanic emission.
A few related highlights are as follows.
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Magma is classified into three main types such as basaltic, rhyolitic, and andesitic and each of these types has a distinct composition of minerals.
Basaltic Magma: High concentrations of iron, calcium, and magnesium are present in basaltic magma. But, it has low amounts of sodium and potassium. Moreover, the temperature of basaltic magma ranges from 1832°F to 2192°F.
Rhyolitic Magma: In rhyolitic magma sodium and potassium is available in more significant amounts, but calcium, magnesium, and iron are present in low quantities. Its temperature varies from 1202°F to 1472°F.
Andesitic Magma: This type of magma contains moderate percentages of sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron, and has a temperature ranging from 1472°F to 1832°F. However, the flowing property of magma depends on the mineral composition and temperature of the same.
Lava Definition, Composition, and Types
The molten rock, when it reaches the surface of the earth becomes lava. It has a temperature ranging from 700 °C to 1200 °C (which is 1300 °F to 2200 °F). Moreover, the material of lava can be entirely free-flowing like fluids. But it can also be very stiff.
A few highlights related to lava are as follows.
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Lava is a mixture of silicate minerals like olivine, amphibole, quartz, mica, feldspar, and pyroxene.
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Lava flow can be distinguished into three fundamental types – aa lava flow, pahoehoe lava flow, and blocky lava flow. The aa flow contains free lumps of pointed lava pieces, whereas pahoehoe flow is relatively smooth. On the other hand, blocky flow is more or less similar to a flow. But, it is comparatively more viscous.
Next, take a look at the difference between magma and lava represented in a tabular form.
Differences between Magma and Lava
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Magma vs Lava |
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Basis of comparison |
Lava
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Magma |
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Definition |
The molten fluid that comes out of the earth’s crust from the holes and cracks |
The molten material that remains under the surface of the earth |
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Temperature |
Lava temperature is slightly less hot and varies between (1300 to 2200) °F |
Magma temperature is slightly hotter and varies between (1300 to 2400) °F |
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Cooling property |
The cooling property of lava is faster than that of magma. As a result, sometimes lava crystalizes into glass particles. |
On the other hand, magma requires a considerable amount of time to cool down. Due to this reason, magma gives rise to huge crystals. |
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Origination of the term |
The term lava comes from the Italian language |
The term magma comes from Ancient Greek |
Add on to Geography:
Geography is a subject better understood with maps and diagrams. Try to draw a rough diagram of physical features like mountains, hills, and valleys when you make notes. Take the liberty to use colours and sketches to make your notes attractive. To improve your scores, read previous year’s question papers, make a list of topics with more weightage, and study them thoroughly before the exam. Maps are another important feature of geography. Learn to draw a rough sketch of maps according to your syllabus, plot different features like physical features, distribution features, and practice them to avoid confusion between different features. When you draw maps and figures in the exam and explain them precisely according to the marks, you have a better chance of scoring well. Students can also learn different concepts from online sources, they provide video lectures, attractive images, and interactive elements to explain the same concepts. You can avail such material for free from . Even teachers can use these videos and photos to explain the concepts in the class. One should remember that physical geography is better understood with the help of diagrams and human geography is better understood with the help of maps and flowcharts.
Do It Yourself
1. What is the primary point of the Magma and Lava difference?
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Temperature
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Colour
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Location
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Composition
2. What is the difference in the composition of Magma and Lava?
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Magma is gaseous in nature and lava is hard like solid
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Lava is liquid and magma is solid
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Dissolved gases are present in magma and absent in lava
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No difference
3. What is the Molten Rock called when it reaches Earth’s Crust?
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Mauna
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Lava
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Magma
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Cinder
By going through the above discussion, you must have understood what is the difference between magma and lava. For more related topics, download our app today and access not only related study material but online classes too.