Lava
Lava
Lava (/ˈlɑːvə/ or /ˈlævə/) is a term used in geology to describe the molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruption. The term is also used to describe the solidified rock formed by the cooling of this molten rock.
Etymology
The word "lava" comes from Italian, and is probably derived from the Latin word labes which means a fall or slide. The first use in connection with extruded magma (molten rock) was apparently in a short account written by Francesco Serao on the eruption of Vesuvius in 1737. Serao described "a flow of fiery lava" as an analogy to the flow of water and mud down the flanks of the volcano following heavy rain.
Types of Lava
There are different types of lava, namely Pahoehoe, Aa, and Blocky lava. Each type has a unique set of characteristics that are influenced by the temperature, viscosity, and gas content of the molten rock.
Related Terms
- Magma: Magma is the molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface. When magma reaches the surface, it is referred to as lava.
- Volcano: A volcano is a rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface.
- Pyroclastic flow: A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that moves away from a volcano reaching speeds of up to 700 km/h (430 mph).
- Lahar: A lahar is a violent type of mudflow or debris flow composed of a slurry of pyroclastic material, rocky debris, and water.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lava
- Wikipedia's article - Lava
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