Lava becomes land when it cools and hardens into rock.
The Transformation of Lava into Land
Here's a breakdown of how this process occurs:
- Molten State: Lava, which is incredibly hot (over 1,100 degrees C or 2,000 degrees F), flows across the ground in a molten state. This is what makes it capable of moving and spreading.
- Cooling Process: As the molten lava flows, it gradually cools when exposed to the cooler air or ground. This cooling process is essential for the next stage.
- Hardening into Rock: As the lava cools, it transitions from a liquid to a solid state. This solidifying process turns the lava into rock, creating new landmass. This is how islands such as the Galápagos and the Hawaiian Islands are formed.
Lava's Role in Land Formation
Lava is the primary material ejected from volcanoes that is responsible for forming oceanic islands. This process is not just a singular event; it's a continuous cycle that contributes to the growth and creation of new land.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Molten Lava | Flows across the ground, extremely hot and in a liquid state. |
| Cooling | Lava loses heat when exposed to air or ground. |
| Solidifying | Liquid lava hardens into solid rock. |
| Land Formation | Rock from solidified lava creates new land, including islands. |
Therefore, lava's journey from a molten flow to solid rock is the key process in how lava becomes land.
