My son, Andrew (age13) is working on a science project for school. He needs to know the answer to the following question: What are all the different forms of lava and magma, and what is their composition and analysis?

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

Magma is a liquid, so it really only has one form. Lava can take a few different forms depending on where it is erupted and the conditions within the lava. Lava under water and ice is usually in the forms of pillows. If lava cools slowly and does not move too fast it forms smooth ropy lava called pahoehoe. If it cools quickly and moves too fast it tears into clinkery pieces called aa.

You are already familiar with the elements that make volcanic rock. Most of the rock is silicon and oxygen, two elements that make the glass in most windows. Next in abundance is aluminum, just like soda cans. Then comes iron, magnesium, and calcium. Iron is the element that combines with oxygen to make cars rust. Magnesium is combined with other metals to make alloys (strong materials). Bones and teeth are made of calcium.

Addition background information is available about lava and the composition of rocks.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota

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