Lava is molten rock. It is created deep beneath Earth’s surface (often 100 miles or more underground), where temperatures get hot enough to melt rock. Scientists call this molten rock magma when it’s underground.

Eventually, some magma makes its way to Earth’s surface and escapes via a volcanic eruption. When magma erupts onto Earth’s surface and begins to flow, scientists then call it lava. Explosive eruptions can throw lava at great distances. Most eruptions, however, create slow-moving lava flows that might cover only a few yards per minute at the most.

Deep below Earth’s surface, the most common type of magma produced is basalt. Basalt makes up much of the ocean floor, and it’s also the substance most often seen when Hawaiian volcanoes erupt. When it reaches Earth’s surface, it erupts as basaltic lava.

Please leave this field empty

Sign up to Receive Awesome Content in your Inbox, Frequently.

Enter Your Email Address *

We don’t Spam!
Thank You for your Valuable Time

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.