magma

thumb|350x350px|Magma can be found in the mantle or the crust. Magma () is the molten or semi-molten natural material from which all igneous rocks are formed. Magma (sometimes colloquially but incorrectly referred to as lava) is found beneath the surface of the Earth, and evidence of magmatism has also been discovered on other terrestrial planets and some natural satellites. Besides molten rock, magma may also contain suspended crystals and gas bubbles.

AI overview

Magma is hot, molten or semi-molten rock found beneath Earth's surface that forms all igneous rocks and can contain suspended crystals and gas bubbles. It matters because it is the fundamental material responsible for creating igneous rocks and is evidence of geological activity both on Earth and on other planets and moons.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Wikidata facts

Image: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park HAVO3171.jpg

Show 1 more fact

Commons category: Magma

Sources (4)

via Wikidata · CC0

~35 min read

Article

25 sections

Contents

Physical and chemical properties
Composition
Felsic magmas
Intermediate magmas
Mafic magmas
Ultramafic magmas
Alkaline magmas
Non-silicate magmas
Magmatic gases
Rheology
Temperature
Density
Origins
Decompression
Effects of water and carbon dioxide
Temperature increase
The melting process
Evolution of magmas
Primary magmas
Parental magma
Migration and solidification
Plutonism
Volcanism
Use in energy production
References

Magma is produced by melting of the mantle or the crust in various tectonic settings, which on Earth include subduction zones, continental rift zones, mid-ocean ridges and hotspots. Mantle and crustal melts migrate upwards through the crust where they are thought to be stored in magma chambers or trans-crustal crystal-rich mush zones. During magma's storage in the crust, its composition may be modified by fractional crystallization, contamination with crustal melts, magma mixing, and degassing. Following its ascent through the crust, magma may feed a volcano and be extruded as lava, or it may solidify underground to form an intrusion, such as a dike, a sill, a laccolith, a pluton, or a batholith.