What does mafic lava mean?

Describes magma that contains lower amounts of silica and is generally less viscous and less gas-rich than silicic magma. Tends to erupt effusively, as lava flows.

What is the science definition of mafic?

mafic rock, in geology, igneous rock that is dominated by the silicates pyroxene, amphibole, olivine, and mica. Mafic rock is commonly contrasted with felsic rock, in which light-coloured minerals predominate. Common mafic rocks include basalt and its coarse-grained intrusive equivalent, gabbro.

What is mafic lava like?

So, mafic lavas are hot , low in silica and volatiles, and have relatively low viscosity. They flow easily outward from the vent (where it comes out of the ground), and may travel great distances before completely solidifying. Felsic lavas are not as hot, high in silica and volatiles, and have a high viscosity.

What is mafic and felsic lava?

Mafic magmas are low in silica and contain more dark, magnesium and iron rich mafic minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene. Felsic magmas are higher in silica and contain lighter colored minerals such as quartz and orthoclase feldspar. The higher the amount of silica in the magma, the higher is its viscosity.

What is the composition of lava?

Lava is mostly made of two elements — Si (the symbol for silicon) and O (the symbol for oxygen). Together, they make a very strong bond and then get together with other elements, like Fe (iron), Mg (magnesium), K (potassium), Ca (calcium), and more.

What is mafic composition?

A mafic mineral or rock is a silicate mineral or igneous rock rich in magnesium and iron. Chemically, mafic rocks are enriched in iron, magnesium and calcium and typically dark in color. In contrast, the felsic rocks are typically light in color and enriched in aluminium and silicon along with potassium and sodium.

What is an example of mafic?

A mafic mineral or rock is a silicate mineral or igneous rock rich in magnesium and iron. Most mafic minerals are dark in color, and common rock-forming mafic minerals include olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, and biotite. Common mafic rocks include basalt, diabase and gabbro.

How is mafic magma formed?

In general, melting of a mantle source (garnet peridotite) results in mafic/basaltic magmas. Melting of crustal sources yields more siliceous magmas. In general more siliceous magmas form by low degrees of partial melting.

Is the composition of magma and lava the same?

Magma is composed of molten rock and is stored in the Earth’s crust. Lava is magma that reaches the surface of our planet through a volcano vent.