The solid volcanic rock resulting from subsequent cooling of the molten material is often also called lava. A lava flow is an outpouring of lava during an effusive eruption. (An explosive eruption, by contrast, …

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.

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 …

2 days ago · Hawaii’s Kilauea, one of Earth’s most active volcanoes, sent lava fountains spewing into the air, obliterating a U.S. Geological Survey camera

2 days ago · High lava fountains at Kilauea destroy USGS monitoring camera It was the 38th eruption since the current series began in December 2024.

Lava is made up of crystals, volcanic glass, and bubbles (volcanic gases). As magma gets closer to the surface and cools, it begins to crystallize minerals like olivine and form bubbles of volcanic gases.

What Is Lava Made Of? Looking down at a cooled lava flow, you see a black, glassy, vesicular (“spongy”) rock. The black color comes from the magnesium and iron-rich minerals, which are …

Nov 26, 2025 · Kilauea displays lava fountains for the 37th time since its eruption began last year 1 of 3 | The on-and-off eruption that’s been dazzling residents and visitors on Hawaii’s Big Island for nearly a …

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.

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 …