magma

Everyday

Magma is very hot melted rock under the Earth's surface. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography lessons pupils learn that magma comes from deep inside the Earth; when it comes out of a volcano it is called lava. When magma cools slowly underground it forms rocks like granite; when lava cools quickly above ground it forms rocks like basalt. These are igneous rocks. Phrases: magma chamber, hot magma, molten rock.

Examples

• Magma is melted rock under the ground. tree →
• When magma reaches the surface, it is called lava. tree →
• Granite forms from cooled magma. tree →
• A volcano erupts when magma pushes up. tree →
• The magma chamber is under the volcano. tree →
• Magma is hotter than an oven. tree →

Note

Uncountable noun. Magma vs lava: same melted rock — magma underground, lava above ground. Rocks made from magma or lava are igneous rocks. The plural «magmas» is used only by scientists.