Fresh lava from Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption in Iceland, 2023 Lava is molten or partially molten rock (magma) that has been expelled from the interior of a terrestrial planet (such as Earth) or a moon …

Nov 25, 2025 · Lava, magma (molten rock) emerging as a liquid onto Earth’s surface. The term ‘lava’ is also used for the solidified rock formed by the cooling of a molten lava flow.

The hardened formation is called " lava flow," whereas the material that still contains molten rock is called an " active lava flow." The rock formed from solidified lava (or magma) is called igneous rock.

Jul 20, 2023 · When a volcano erupts, the molten rock that comes out of the Earth is called lava. Lava is so hot, it remains molten and flows until it cools and hardens into rock.

Oct 26, 2022 · Learn about the types of lava including the forms of lava flow (pahoehoe and a'a) and the chemical composition based on silica content.

Jun 16, 2025 · Lava is molten rock that has erupted onto the Earth’s surface (or the surface of another planet or moon). This extrusive igneous rock, distinguished from magma (molten rock beneath the …

Jan 10, 2025 · The surface of lava can appear smooth, rough, jagged, and sometimes like a pile of construction rubble. What are the stories behind these surface features and how did they form?

Dec 18, 2025 · Taking advantage of a "natural laboratory" in Iceland, a research team from the University of Arizona studied how microbes colonize fresh lava flows as soon as they cooled.

May 10, 2025 · Molten rock, called magma, is called lava when it reaches the surface during a volcanic eruption. Depending on how the magma erupts, it can form lava flows, lava fountains, lava lakes, or …

2 days ago · Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has been erupting for a whole year with lava shooting 1,400ft into the sky Kilauea is one of the world’s youngest yet most active volcanoes, and one of the six active ...