Lava

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Lava is molten rock that a volcano expels during an eruption. Lava, when first exuded from a volcanic vent, is a liquid at very high temperature: typically from 700°C to 1200°C (1300°F to 2200°F). Although the viscosity of lava is 100,000 times that of water, the viscous rock can flow many miles before eventually cooling and solidifying.

Related Topics:
Volcano - Eruption - Liquid - Temperature - Viscosity

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While still below the earth's surface, the molten rock is termed magma. Solidified lava is known as igneous rock, although the term "lava flow" refers to the hardened formation. An "active lava flow" would be one having still molten rock associated with it. The word 'lava' comes from Italian, and is probably ultimately derived from the Latin word labes which means a fall, slide, or sinking in. The first time it was used in connection with extruded magma was apparently in a short account written by Francesco Serao of the eruption of Vesuvius which took place between May 14 and June 4 1737. In this he described "a flow of fiery lava" in analogy to the flow of water and mud down the flanks of the volcano following heavy rain.

Related Topics:
Magma - Igneous rock - Latin - Francesco Serao - Vesuvius - May 14 - June 4 - 1737

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