Which term describes molten rock beneath the Earth's surface?

The term that describes molten rock beneath the Earth's surface is magma. Magma is formed from the melting of rocks in the Earth's mantle and is a key component in geological processes, such as the formation of igneous rocks and volcanic activity. When magma rises to the Earth’s surface and erupts, it is referred to as lava. Therefore, while lava is molten rock, it specifically refers to the molten rock that has emerged from the Earth; magma is the term used for it while it is still underground.

Granite and basalt are both types of igneous rocks that can form from cooled and solidified magma or lava, but they do not describe the molten material itself. Granite typically forms from slowly cooled magma beneath the surface, while basalt forms from rapidly cooled lava at or near the surface. Understanding the distinction between these terms is essential for recognizing the stages of rock formation and the geological processes involved.