Anatomy of Nyiragongo

Magma
Magma is molten or partially molten rock beneath the Earth's surface. When magma erupts onto the surface, it is called lava. Magma typically consists of a liquid portion, often referred to as the melt; a solid portion made of minerals that crystallized directly from the melt; solid rocks incorporated into the magma from along the conduit or reservoir; and dissolved gases. Magma collects inside a volcano's magma chamber before it erupts. Nyiragongo's magma chamber is located about 10 miles below the surface of the Earth.