magma
Other forms: magmas
That red hot liquid rock that spews violently out of erupting volcanoes? That's lava. But before the lava rises to the earth's surface it's called magma.
Although lava and magma are often used interchangeably, technically magma is the name for the hot molten rock (mixed with gases and mineral crystals) that collects in chambers beneath the Earth's crust. Once the magma breaks through the Earth's surface and flows down the volcano, you can call it lava. There are about 1500 active volcanoes on the Earth and at least 80 under the oceans — which add up to a lot of magma and possible lava.
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molten rock in the earth's crust
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Vocabulary lists containing magma
Physical geography will be a breeze once you master this list of terms related to Earth's physical features. You'll review climate and weather, landforms and bodies of water, biomes and ecosystems, and the geological structure of the Earth — and that's just the tip of the iceberg!
Though most geological movement is far too slow for us to see, sometimes the incredible heat and pressure created by our ever-changing planet bursts to the surface with awesome force. This list will get your volcanic vocabulary on solid ground.
Physical geography will be a breeze once you master this list of terms related to Earth's physical features. You'll review climate and weather, landforms and bodies of water, biomes and ecosystems, and the geological structure of the Earth — and that's just the tip of the iceberg!