Why is under ground lava called magma and then when it comes up it's
called lava?
Pedro Gonzales
Hi Pedro,
You've asked a good question. I guess it was just decided that it
would help to keep things straight if there were two terms. They really are
talking about the same stuff (molten rock). It is just easier this way. If
someone is talking about magma you know they are talking about when it is still
underground but if they are talking about lava you know they are talking about
after it has erupted.
Keep asking good questions!
Sincerely,
Scott Rowland, University of Hawaii
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