What is the difference between magma and lava

The volcanoes are the most interesting geological formations that we can find, although sometimes their eruptions can put the risk to the populations that are around them. Our planet is full of important volcanic zones, some of these craters are active and others inactive. We know that the terms magma and lava are related to volcanoes, but are they the same? In .com we explain what is the difference between magma and volcano .

Steps to follow:

one

Although sometimes we use magma and lava as synonyms, the reality is that they are two different terms, both linked to volcanoes but which serve to describe two different parts of the craters.

two

Magma is the molten rock that is found inside the earth's crust, subjected to extreme heat temperatures. It is composed of liquids, volatile particles and solid elements. When the magma cools it becomes igneous rock, which can be of two kinds depending on its location:

If it is within the crust of the earth, it becomes plutonic rock
But if the magma melts and rises to the surface of the earth, it becomes lava

3

Thus, lava is magma when it has left the earth's crust, which occurs during volcanic eruptions.

4

In this way, lava is magma when it has left the earth's crust, which occurs during volcanic eruptions. Its temperatures, extreme heat, hover between 700 º C and 1200 º C, and unlike the magma that can cool quickly, the lava is much thicker so it takes time to cool. This is one of the reasons why approaching a volcanic eruption zone is risky even days after it has occurred.