GEOLOGY

EARTH SCIENCE

VOLCANOES

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Which statement best describes the difference between magma and lava?
A
Magma is fluid and flows very quickly. Lava is thick and viscous and flows very slowly.
B
Magma is molten rock beneath earth’s surface. Lava is molten rock on the earth’s surface.
C
Magma is molten rock on the earth’s surface. Lava is molten rock beneath the earth’s surface.
D
Magma is molten rock. Lava is solid rock.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Scientists use the term magma for molten rock that is underground and lava for molten rock that breaks through the Earth’s surface.

Detailed explanation-2: -The distinction between magma and lava is all about location. When geologists refer to magma, they’re talking about molten rock that’s still trapped underground. If this molten rock makes it to the surface and keeps flowing like a liquid, it’s called lava.

Detailed explanation-3: -There are three basic types of magma: basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic, each of which has a different mineral composition. All types of magma have a significant percentage of silicon dioxide. Basaltic magma is high in iron, magnesium, and calcium but low in potassium and sodium.

Detailed explanation-4: -The main difference between magma and lava is that magma is composed of molten rock and is stored in the Earth’s crust, while lava is the magma that reaches the surface of Earth through a volcano vent. Simply put, magma is an extremely hot liquid and semi-liquid rock located under Earth’s surface.

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