What is Magma?
The Difference Between Magma and Lava
Magma is molten rock beneath Earth's surface. Once expelled from the vent of a volcano it becomes known as lava.
Magma is generally made up of eight chemical elements. The most important are oxygen, silicon, aluminium and iron.
Intrusive igneous rocks are formed when magma cools very slowly over millions of years. Extrusive igneous rocks are formed when lave on the surface cools and solidifies.
Article Photo
Our photo comes from a video taken of the eruption of Litli Hrútur in Iceland. Courtesy of James St.John. The image is clickable and redirects to the video.
