Magma is a molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface. It is primarily composed of a mixture of lava, gases, and crystals, and is formed by the melting of rocks in the Earth's mantle and crust due to high temperatures and pressures. When magma rises to the Earth's surface, it can erupt from a volcano as lava.
There are various types of magma, classified mainly based on their chemical composition, which include basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic magma. Each type of magma has distinct characteristics, such as viscosity and gas content, which influence volcanic activity and the type of eruptions that occur.
Magma plays a critical role in the geological processes of the Earth, contributing to the formation of igneous rocks and landforms, and participating in the rock cycle.