Lava or Magma? How do you know which it is and what causes it? Wanna find out?

Have you ever wondered about the difference between lava and magma? Or how these fiery substances are formed? Let's dive into the fascinating world of geology and find out more!

What is the difference between lava and magma?

So, here's the deal - lava and magma are essentially the same thing, but they are called different names depending on where they are. When the molten rock is beneath the Earth's surface, it is called magma. Once it reaches the surface and flows out of a volcano, it is called lava. Simple, right?

How is lava or magma formed?

Lava and magma are formed deep within the Earth's mantle, where temperatures are scorching hot. When rocks in the mantle melt due to the intense heat, they turn into molten rock, which is known as magma. This molten rock can then make its way to the surface through volcanic eruptions, where it becomes lava.

What causes volcanic eruptions?

Volcanic eruptions occur when pressure builds up beneath the Earth's surface, causing the magma to rise and eventually break through the crust. This release of pressure leads to explosive volcanic activity, with lava, ash, and gases being ejected from the volcano.

How can you tell if it's lava or magma?

If you're standing near a volcano and you see molten rock flowing out of it, then you're looking at lava. On the other hand, if you're deep within the Earth's crust and you encounter molten rock, that's magma. The key difference lies in their location - above ground or below ground.

So, there you have it - the difference between lava and magma, how they are formed, and what causes volcanic eruptions. Next time you see a volcano spewing out fiery lava, you'll know exactly what's going on beneath the surface!