What term refers to the molten rock beneath the Earth's surface?

The term that refers to the molten rock beneath the Earth's surface is magma. Magma is found in the Earth's mantle and is composed of a mixture of molten rock, mineral crystals, and dissolved gases. When magma rises to the surface and erupts, it is referred to as lava. This differentiation is important in geology, as the properties and behavior of magma and lava can vary significantly based on their location and conditions.

Silica is a chemical compound (silicon dioxide) that is a significant component of many types of magma, but it doesn't refer to the molten rock itself. Pahoehoe is a type of lava flow characterized by its smooth, ropy surface, but it is not a term that describes the molten rock beneath the surface. Understanding these distinctions helps in studying volcanic activity and the geologic processes occurring within the Earth.