What is magma called when it reaches the Earth’s surface?

When magma reaches the Earth's surface, it is referred to as lava. This transformation occurs when magma erupts during volcanic activity. Lava is the molten rock that flows from a volcano and can solidify to form various types of volcanic rock. The distinction between magma and lava is significant in geology; while magma is found beneath the surface, lava is what we see when it erupts, often shaping landscapes and creating new geological formations. Understanding this terminology is important for grasping volcanic processes and the nature of tectonic activity.