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Lava

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

Molten lava flowing into the ocean during an eruption in Hawaii, demonstrating how new land is formed.

What is Lava?

Lava is hot, melted rock that comes from deep inside planets like Earth. It reaches the surface through volcanoes or cracks in the ground. When lava flows out, it can be very hot, but it moves slowly, like thick ketchup.

Where Do We See Lava?

Lava often comes out of volcanoes. Volcanoes are mountains that can erupt and let out hot rocks, ash, and gas. Some famous volcanoes where lava flows have been seen include Mount Etna in Italy and Kīlauea in Hawaii. Lava can also flow into the sea, making new land.

Different Kinds of Lava

Lava can look and feel different depending on how thick or thin it is. One type is called ʻAʻā lava. It has a rough, jagged surface that looks like broken pieces. Another type is Pāhoehoe lava. This kind is smooth and ropy, often forming tubes as it moves. Each type of lava is special and makes the Earth look different.

Why Do People Know About Lava?

People know about lava because it shapes the Earth. Lava flows can create new land, build mountains, and change landscapes. Scientists study lava to learn about what happens deep inside Earth. Lava also makes beautiful patterns and shapes that people find interesting.

Lava is a amazing part of nature that helps us understand our planet better.

Images

Block lava formations at Fantastic Lava Beds in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
A rough, rubbly lava flow called 'a'a moving across the coastal plain of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii.
Pillow lavas are bulbous, pillow-shaped formations created by underwater volcanic eruptions.
A scenic view of a forested lava dome in the Valle Grande, part of the Valles Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico.
A volcanic rock formation in New Mexico with radiating dikes extending from its base.
A smooth, ropy surface of lava from the Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaii, showing how pahoehoe lava flows move across land.
A close-up of the ropy texture on a pahoehoe lava flow from Kilauea Volcano in Hawai'i.

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Lava, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.