Lava is found on the surface of terrestrial planets and moons after being expelled from their interiors.
Understanding Lava's Origins
Lava is essentially molten or partially molten rock (magma) that has made its way to the surface. It can emerge in a few key ways:
- Volcanic Eruptions: The most common scenario is during a volcanic eruption, where lava flows out of a volcano.
- Crustal Fractures: Lava can also emerge through fractures or cracks in the crust, without a traditional volcanic cone present.
- Terrestrial vs Underwater: Lava flows can happen on land or even underwater.
According to the provided reference, this expulsion usually happens at extremely high temperatures ranging from 800 to 1,200 °C (1,470 to 2,190 °F). The reference highlights that lava is expelled from the interior of a planet or moon onto its surface.
Locations where Lava is commonly found:
Here's a breakdown of where you can find lava:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Volcanoes | Erupting from volcanic vents and flowing down slopes. This is a highly visible example of lava. |
| Volcanic Plains | Lava flows can cover large areas, solidifying into extensive plains. |
| Underwater Vents | In the ocean, lava erupts from underwater volcanoes or hydrothermal vents. |
| Cracks/Fissures | Lava can flow through cracks in the crust, forming fissures. |
Lava is not exclusive to Earth; it can be found on other terrestrial bodies like other planets and moons with geological activity. The processes of eruption and flow are similar, but the specific composition and effects may vary based on the body's unique characteristics.
