Lava

What is the difference between lava and magma?

• Magma is liquid rock inside a volcano.
• Lava is liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Fresh lava ranges from 1,300° to 2,200° F (700° to 1,200° C) in temperature and glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

Why does lava take a long time to cool down?

• Lava cools slowly because lava is a poor conductor of heat. Lava flows slow down and thicken as they harden, forming new rock on the volcano.