VHP Photo Glossary: Lava
Photograph by J.D. Griggs on 13 November 1985. Lava moves
across the ground as a pahoehoe flow, Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i
Lava
Lava is the word for
magma (molten
rock) when it erupts onto the Earth's surface. Geologists also use the
word to describe the solidified deposits of lava flows and fragments
hurled into the air by explosive eruptions (for example, lava bombs or
blocks). Lava is from the Italian word for stream, which is derived
from the verb lavare--to wash.
More about lava
Textures of basaltic lava flows
Related photo glossary terms: