From Magma To Lava

Scorching Flow

Most of the Earth's interior is in a liquid and incandescent state(=producing light) at extremely high temperatures. This vast mass of molten rock contains dissolved crystals and water vapor, among other gases, and it is known as magma. When part of the magma rises toward the Earth's surface, mainly through volcanic activity, it is called lava. As soon as it reaches the surface of the Earth or the ocean floor, the lava starts to cool and solidify(=become hard) into different types of rock, according to its original chemical composition. This is the basic process that formed the surface of our planet, and it is the reason the Earth's surface is in constant flux. Scientists study lava to understand our planet better. Streams of Fire Lava is at the heart of every volcanic eruption. The characteristics of lava vary, depending on the gases it contains and its chemical composition. Lava from an eruption is loaded with water vapor and gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen(H), carbon monoxide(CO), and sulfur dioxide(SO2). As these gases are expelled(=forced out), they burst into the atmosphere, where they create a turbulent cloud that sometimes discharges heavy rains. Fragments of lava expelled and scattered by the volcano are classified as bombs, cinders, and ash. Some large fragments fall back into the crater. The speed at which lava travels depends to a great extent on the steepness of the sides of the volcano. Some lava flows can reach 90 miles (145 km) in length and attain speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (50 km/hr). Intense Heat Lava can reach temperatures above 2,200º F (1,200º C). The hotter the lava, the more fluid it is. When lava is released in great quantities, it forms rivers of fire. The lava's advance is slowed down as the lava cools and hardens. scorching = very hot metamorphism = changing of the composition or structure of a rock by heat or pressure sedimentation = a natural process in which rock is formed from small pieces of sand, stone, etc. that have been left by water, ice, or wind viscosity = the state of being thick, sticky, and semi-fluid igneous rock = a type of rock formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, or magma (underground) or lava (on the surface) weathering = the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces