magma composition
Magma composition refers to the chemical makeup of molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface. It primarily consists of silicate minerals, which include elements like silicon, oxygen, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The specific proportions of these elements can vary, leading to different types of magma, such as basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic.
The composition of magma influences its properties, such as viscosity and gas content. For example, basaltic magma is low in silica and flows easily, while rhyolitic magma is high in silica and more viscous. These differences affect volcanic activity and the types of eruptions that occur.