Magma reaches Earth's surface as lava and flows over Hawaiian vegetation and into the ocean
Molten, or hot liquefied, rock located deep below Earth's surface is called magma. When a volcano erupts, the magma rises and either gently flows onto the surface or is violently shot into the air. When magma reaches Earth's surface, it usually mixes with gases, and it is called lava. Fresh lava ranges from 1,300 to 2,200 °F (700 to 1,200 °C) and glows red hot to white hot as it flows. As lava cools, it solidifies to form rock.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Spectacular fountainlike eruptions at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, are followed by streams of fluid lava flowing down the mountainside.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Pahoehoe and aa lava flows at Mauna Ulu, Hawaii.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Lava flowing toward the sea from Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, takes two recognizable forms: fast-flowing ropy lava called pahoehoe and thick blocky lava called aa.
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