What do you do when you’re standing in front of an erupting volcano?
The answer is pretty obvious: You run!
Luckily for us, we don’t usually get into a situation like the one above.
And yet, a volcano is one of the most enchanting sights to witness from afar.
Inarguably, the most striking feature of an erupting volcano is the Lava that flows from its top and down its sides.
Without lava, the volcano would be merely ‘A Mountain with a Hole on top!’
This blog post attempts to answer common questions like ‘What is Lava?’, and the less-asked ones like ‘How is Lava formed?’
Ready for some fun Volcano Lava Information? Let’s get all that ‘Dormant’ knowledge out of its hiding area, for some fun, ‘Active’ learning!
All about Lava: Volcano Lava Information for the discerning reader
What is Lava? When asked that question, one might say something to the tune of, ‘That hot liquid that spews out the mouth of volcanoes, when they erupt.’
Now, while the above explanation is not inaccurate, it’s not a detailed version of what lava is.
If we dig deep into the earth, we arrive at its inner core. This is like a ‘Sun’ of sorts, with blisteringly hot temperatures. In essence, it is ‘molten rock’, and here, at the Earth’s centre, it is known as ‘magma.’
Now, what happens when this magma comes to the surface of the Earth in a volcanic explosion? Then, it is called ‘Lava’!
Some things about Lava you probably didn’t know:
Read More – Wonders of Natural Landforms for Kids
What is the temperature of lava?
It is so hot, its temperatures can reach up to 1200 degrees Celsius!
It contains gas and rock, too.
Cool Fact: Sometimes gas is trapped as bubbles, which leads to the formation of a stone called Pumice.
All About Lava: Its Formation
We know what the temperature of Lava is, but how is Lava Formed?
We have already touched upon the fact that Lava is Liquid Rock. In a nutshell, lava is formed by two things: Heat and Pressure. Both these things are in abundance at the Earth’s core.
A fun way to explain How Lava is formed to kids is to describe it as follows. Tell them to imagine that lava started off as rocks that were crushed like a ball of plasticine in their hands. The intense temperatures added to the pressure, resulting in the liquid rock, or magma.
All about Lava: Types of Lava
Just like there are different types of volcanoes, there are different types of Lava!
1. Pahoehoe lava
This lava, which has a most interesting name, is characterised by its smooth and continuous ‘crust.’ This kind of lava is low in viscosity and is also known as Ropy Lava.
Where it can be found: Hawaii.
2. Aa lava
This one’s the ‘rubble crust’ of a lava flow, and is a common type of lava. A lava, that is highly characterised by its ‘unstable top.’
Interesting fact: This name originates in the language of the people of Hawaii.
Where it can be found: The Southern tip of La Palma.
3. Blocky Lava
What happens when the Silica content in the lava is considerably higher? You get Blocky Lava! This one closely resembles the Aa lava flow, as touched upon earlier. While these ‘blocks’ of lava have irregular surfaces, their sides and edges are smoother than their ‘similar’ counterparts.
Where it can be found: Nea Kameni Island, Santorini, Greece.
4. Pillow lava
Now that’s a cool name for a type of Lava Flow! This one is actually the most common type of lava among the four forms. Interestingly, it is formed when the lava flows out of the earth’s crust, but ‘underwater’! It is generally found in the middle of the ocean at ridges, but it is also found in lakes and, at times, in glacial ice, too.
Note: This type of lava flow has a ‘glassy sheen’, on account of its rapid cooling when it comes in contact with water.
Where it can be found: Mid-oceanic ridges
Read More – Science Quiz Questions and Answers for Kids
All about Lava: Fun Facts about Lava
Now that we have seen the different Types of Lava, it’s time to dig deeper into that Volcano of Information.
1. Some lava flows are very long.
Generally, most lava flows are less than 10 km long. However, there are Pahoehoe lava flows that are more than 50 kms long!
2. Aa lava can make hiking difficult.
If you have ever been hiking and found it especially difficult at times, you might just have been treading on Aa lava! Its surface, being loose, broken, and spiny, accounts for this.
3. More about how Aa lava got its name.
As discussed earlier, it’s a Hawaiian word, but how did it get its name? The answer: It was introduced as a technical geological term by the American geologist Clarence Dutton.
4. For years, human beings have tried to stop lava flows.
Perhaps the earliest known attempt was in the year 1669, when Mount Etna in Sicily erupted. When it did, some men actually created a hole in the hard side of the lava flow, thinking the lava would flow out, and their town would be saved.
5. It’s quite easy to run away from Lava.
Contrary to what one is accustomed to seeing in the movies, a Lava Flow can be easily outrun. It’s actually the sudden explosions that cause rapid lava flows, which one needs to keep an eye out for.
6. There is actually a restaurant that uses Lava to cook food!
Its name is El Diablo, and it’s in the Canary Islands. There is a 6-foot deep hole that has lava at the bottom, above which the ‘grill’ is placed.
Why is Lava Important?
Lava may seem dangerous, but it also plays an important role in shaping our planet. Volcanic eruptions:
- Create new mountains and islands.
- Produce fertile soil for farming.
- Form valuable rocks and minerals.
- Help scientists learn more about the Earth’s interior.
Without volcanoes and lava, the Earth would look very different
Read More – How do you make science interesting for kids?
Conclusion
Lava is one of nature’s most incredible wonders. Although it is extremely hot and powerful, it also helps shape the Earth in amazing ways. By learning about lava, children gain a better understanding of volcanoes, geology, and the natural processes that continue to transform our planet.
At EuroKids, we believe that all children love the thought of Volcanoes erupting. It’s a really great idea, to make it all the more fascinating by teaching them more than they already know about Volcanoes and Lava.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is lava?
Lava is molten rock that flows onto the Earth’s surface during a volcanic eruption.
2. What is the difference between magma and lava?
Molten rock beneath the Earth’s surface is called magma. Once it erupts and reaches the surface, it is called lava.
3. How hot is lava?
Most lava has temperatures between 700°C and 1,200°C.
4. Can people outrun lava?
In many cases, yes. Most lava flows move slowly, but volcanic eruptions can still be dangerous because of ash, gases, and sudden explosions.
5. Why is lava important?
Lava creates new land, forms mountains and islands, enriches soil, and helps scientists understand how the Earth works.
