What is magma?

Magma is generated in the area of the lower part of the earth's crust and the upper part of its hot center, the mantle. It consists of rock that has been liquified by heat, and is a mixture made up of four main parts. The first part of magma is the hot liquid which is referred to scientifically as melt. The three other parts of the magma, crystallized minerals, solid rock, and dissolved gases all are incorporated into the melt. Magma is also very hot, ranging anywhere from 700 to 1,300 degrees Celsius (1,292 and 2,372 degrees Fahrenheit). Once magma reaches the earths surface, either by volcano or other openings, it is then referred to as lava. Lava then spreads out and is able to create new landforms. A good example of this is the island of Hawaii, which has recently grown due to active volcanoes spewing lava. Hope this helps!