It usually consists of silicate liquid, although carbonate and sulfide melts occur as well. Magma migrates either at depth or to the Earth's surface and is ejected as lava. Several interrelated physical properties determine the characteristics of magma, including chemical composition, viscosity, dissolved gases, and temperature. Numerous variations can occur during crystallization to influence the resulting rock. Transport and emplacement of magma is strongly affected by its viscosity and by the fracture characteristics of rocks through which it moves.
Viscosity is reduced by water and a lower silica content.
Alligators taking advantage of the warm spring water at the Colorado Alligator Farm in Mosca, Colorado. The Farm makes use of low-grade geothermal commercial applications in the mountains of Colorado.