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Differences Between Magma and Lava, Definition, Types

The primary differences between magma and lava are determined by their location. Both magma and lava originate from the intense heating of rocks, causing them to reach a state of viscosity. Keep reading to know more!

Krati Saraswat27 May, 2025

Differences Between Magma and Lava : The term "magma" refers to molten rock existing in an extremely hot, liquid, or semi-liquid state and is responsible for igneous rock formation. A significant portion of the Earth's mantle comprises magma.

When magma ascends to the Earth's surface, it transforms into "lava," also known as liquid magma. While magma and lava share commonalities, there are distinctions worth exploring. Magma, constituted of molten rock, resides in the Earth's crust. In contrast, lava is the term for magma that breaches the Earth's surface through a volcanic vent.

As both represent molten rock emerging from beneath the Earth, distinguishing one from the other can be challenging. This article explores the differences between magma and lava to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of their respective definitions. If you want to learn the differences between magma and lava for NEET preparation then NEET Online Coaching is a comprehensive and specialized study material designed for students taking a drop year to prepare for the NEET exam.

This edition has been meticulously crafted to address the specific needs and challenges faced by dropper students aiming for success in the NEET examination. The study material is tailored to cover the entire NEET syllabus, ensuring that dropper students focus on crucial topics for the exam. Ample practice is provided through a variety of practice papers and mock tests, helping students gauge their progress and become familiar with the exam pattern.

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Differences Between Magma and Lava Overview

Magma and lava are molten rocks, but their locations and characteristics vary significantly. Magma refers to molten or partially molten rock beneath the Earth's surface. It is the precursor to igneous rocks in the Earth's mantle and crust. The temperature of magma ranges from approximately 700 to 1,300 °C (1,300 to 2,200 °F). Lava is molten rock reaching Earth's surface during a volcanic eruption. The liquid form of magma emerges onto the surface, and its temperature ranges from about 700 to 1,200 °C (1,300 to 2,200 °F).

While magma and lava represent molten rock, their distinct locations, behaviors, and roles contribute to the complex geological processes shaping the Earth's surface. Magma resides beneath the Earth's surface, forming igneous rocks, while lava emerges during volcanic eruptions, shaping landscapes and leaving behind diverse geological features. Find the detailed explanation and differences between magma and lava below!

What is Magma?

Magma, the molten or partially molten rock from which igneous rocks form, is a dynamic and crucial component in the Earth's geological processes. It primarily consists of silicate liquid, with occurrences of carbonate and sulfide melts. Magma migration occurs beneath the Earth's surface, and during volcanic activity, it can erupt and reach the Earth's surface as lava. Magma exhibits diverse characteristics influenced by its chemical composition, viscosity, dissolved gases, and temperature. Silicate liquid is dominant, but variations exist with carbonate and sulfide melts. Suspended crystals and fragments of unmelted rock may be present, and dissolved volatiles can separate as bubbles.

The physical properties of magma play a significant role in determining its behavior and the resulting volcanic activity. As magma cools, systematic crystallization occurs following Bowen's reaction series. The process involves the formation of crystals, and two series, the discontinuous and continuous reaction series, play a role in this transformation. The crystallization process is influenced by factors such as the separation of early crystals from the liquid, rapid cooling, and the loss of volatiles.

Types of Magma

Below are the types of magma:

Basaltic (Mafic) Magma

Temperature: High temperature (around 1,200 °C [about 2,200 °F]).
Silica Content: Lower silica content (about 45–55 percent by weight).
Characteristics: Basaltic magma is associated with nonexplosive volcanic eruptions characterized by flowing lava. It often forms dark-colored rocks like basalt.
Volcanic Features: Produces lava flows with smooth surfaces, known as pahoehoe and aa flows.

Andesitic Magma

Temperature: Intermediate temperature (800–1,000 °C [about 1,470–1,830 °F]).
Silica Content: Moderate silica content.
Characteristics: Andesitic magma is intermediate in properties, exhibiting characteristics between basaltic and rhyolitic magmas. It contributes to explosive eruptions and forms rocks like andesite.
Volcanic Features: Associated with block lava flows and often forms more fragmented deposits.

Rhyolitic (Felsic) Magma

Temperature: Lower temperature (750–850 °C [about 1,400–1,560 °F]).
Silica Content: Higher silica content (about 65–75 percent by weight).
Characteristics: Rhyolitic magma is linked to highly explosive volcanic eruptions, producing ash falls and pyroclastic flows. It forms light-colored rocks like rhyolite.
Volcanic Features: Creates explosive eruptions and is associated with ash clouds and pyroclastic flows.

What is Lava?

Lava, the molten rock that emerges as a liquid onto the Earth's surface, is a captivating and powerful force in geology. It is not only the molten substance during volcanic eruptions but also forms solidified rock upon cooling. Lava's temperatures range from approximately 700 to 1,200 °C (1,300 to 2,200 °F), exhibiting varying degrees of fluidity, from almost syrup-like flow to extreme stiffness.

The characteristics of lava are closely tied to its silica content, influencing its viscosity. Silica-rich lava tends to have higher density, impacting its flow behavior. The material can manifest in diverse forms, from very fluid, flowing like syrup, to extremely stiff, with minimal flow. Pahoehoe and aa are the two primary types of lava flows associated with volcanic activities.

Types of Lava

Here are the types of lava:

Pahoehoe Lava

Pahoehoe lava flows are recognized by their smooth, gently undulating, or broadly hummocky surfaces. This type of lava flow occurs when liquid lava flows beneath a thin, still-plastic crust, creating tapestry-like folds and rolls resembling twisted rope. The margin of a pahoehoe flow typically advances by protruding small toes or lobes one after another. These flows are mainly fed internally by streams of liquid lava flowing beneath a solidified or partly solidified surface.

Aa Lava

In contrast, aa lava has an exceedingly rough surface, covered with irregular fragments known as clinkers. Aa lava flows are primarily fed by rivers of liquid lava flowing in open channels. The feeding river forms a narrow band along the centerline of the flow, with broad fields of less actively moving clinker on each side. The clinkers at the front of the flow roll down and are overridden by the pasty center layer, creating a distinctive appearance. Aa and pahoehoe flow from the same vent can be identical in chemical composition, and the transition from pahoehoe to aa may occur as the flow progresses downslope.

Pillow Lava

Another type of lava, pillow lava, is associated with underwater environments. It forms pillow-shaped masses as highly fluid lava is rapidly cooled and quenched by surrounding water. This phenomenon is common in underwater volcanic activity.

Block Lava Flow

Lavas of andesitic or intermediate composition form block lava flows. These flows resemble aa but have more regular-shaped fragments, often polygonal with fairly smooth sides. Flows of more siliceous lava tend to be even more fragmental than block flows.

Explore -

Magma vs Lava - Differences Between Magma and Lava

The table below shows the differences between magma and lava :

Magma vs Lava - Differences Between Magma and Lava
Feature	Magma	Lava
Location	Beneath the Earth's surface	Above the Earth's surface
State	Molten rock within the Earth	Molten rock erupted onto the surface
Temperature	Extremely hot (up to 1300°C)	Remains hot but can cool down
Composition	Silicate minerals, gases, and solids	Similar composition to magma but may contain fewer gases
Movement	Moves through the Earth's crust	Flows on the Earth's surface
Effect	May solidify to form igneous rocks	Forms volcanic landforms and structures
Occurrence	Found beneath the Earth's surface in magma chambers	Erupts during volcanic activity
Common Elements	Found in magma chambers below volcanoes	Observed during volcanic eruptions

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Differences Between Magma and Lava FAQs

In what geological features is magma typically found?

Magma is commonly found beneath the Earth's surface in magma chambers, often associated with volcanic activity.

What geological formations are created by the solidification of magma?

The solidification of magma can lead to the formation of igneous rocks.

During what geological process does lava erupt onto the Earth's surface?

Lava erupts onto the Earth's surface during volcanic activity when pressure forces it through openings in its crust.

Can magma turn back into solid rock?

Yes, when magma cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface, it forms intrusive igneous rocks. Similarly, lava that cools on the Earth's surface forms extrusive igneous rocks.

Can the composition of magma and lava vary?

Yes, both magma and lava can have varying compositions. They are primarily composed of silicate minerals, but the specific minerals, gases, and water content can differ, influencing the nature of volcanic eruptions.

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Differences Between Magma and Lava Overview

What is Magma?

Types of Magma

Below are the types of magma:

Basaltic (Mafic) Magma

Temperature: High temperature (around 1,200 °C [about 2,200 °F]).
Silica Content: Lower silica content (about 45–55 percent by weight).
Characteristics: Basaltic magma is associated with nonexplosive volcanic eruptions characterized by flowing lava. It often forms dark-colored rocks like basalt.
Volcanic Features: Produces lava flows with smooth surfaces, known as pahoehoe and aa flows.

Andesitic Magma

Temperature: Intermediate temperature (800–1,000 °C [about 1,470–1,830 °F]).
Silica Content: Moderate silica content.
Characteristics: Andesitic magma is intermediate in properties, exhibiting characteristics between basaltic and rhyolitic magmas. It contributes to explosive eruptions and forms rocks like andesite.
Volcanic Features: Associated with block lava flows and often forms more fragmented deposits.

Rhyolitic (Felsic) Magma

Temperature: Lower temperature (750–850 °C [about 1,400–1,560 °F]).
Silica Content: Higher silica content (about 65–75 percent by weight).
Characteristics: Rhyolitic magma is linked to highly explosive volcanic eruptions, producing ash falls and pyroclastic flows. It forms light-colored rocks like rhyolite.
Volcanic Features: Creates explosive eruptions and is associated with ash clouds and pyroclastic flows.

What is Lava?

Types of Lava

Here are the types of lava:

Pahoehoe Lava

Aa Lava

Pillow Lava

Block Lava Flow

Explore -

Magma vs Lava - Differences Between Magma and Lava

The table below shows the differences between magma and lava :

Magma vs Lava - Differences Between Magma and Lava
Feature	Magma	Lava
Location	Beneath the Earth's surface	Above the Earth's surface
State	Molten rock within the Earth	Molten rock erupted onto the surface
Temperature	Extremely hot (up to 1300°C)	Remains hot but can cool down
Composition	Silicate minerals, gases, and solids	Similar composition to magma but may contain fewer gases
Movement	Moves through the Earth's crust	Flows on the Earth's surface
Effect	May solidify to form igneous rocks	Forms volcanic landforms and structures
Occurrence	Found beneath the Earth's surface in magma chambers	Erupts during volcanic activity
Common Elements	Found in magma chambers below volcanoes	Observed during volcanic eruptions

NEET Difference Between Important Links
Difference Between Atom And Molecule	Difference between Conduction Convection and Radiation
Difference Between Density and Specific Gravity	Difference between Earthing and Grounding
Difference Between Resistance and Impedance	Difference between Transducer and Sensor
Difference Between Emission And Absorption Spectra	Differences Between LCD and LED
Difference between MCB and MCCB	Difference Between Centre of Gravity and Centroid
Difference between Solar and Lunar Eclipse	Difference Between Mass And Volume
Differences Between Magma and Lava	Difference Between Motor and Generator
Difference Between AC and DC Generator	Difference Between NPN and PNP Transistor
Difference Between Force and Pressure	Difference Between Simple And Compound Microscope
Difference Between Watts and Volts	Difference between Alternator and Generator
Difference between Isothermal and Adiabatic Processes	Difference Between KVA and KW
Difference between Land Breeze and Sea Breeze	Difference Between Work and Energy
Difference between Mirror and Lens	Difference between Ammeter and Galvanometer
Difference between Series and Parallel Circuits	Difference between Earth and Neutral
Difference Between Electromagnet and Permanent Magnet	Difference between Enthalpy and Entropy
Difference Between Stress and Pressure	Difference between Kinetics and Kinematics