How hot is lava?
Michael Matte
Dear Michael,
Hawaiian lavas is around 1170 degrees C, which translates to 2140 degrees
F. Hawaiian lava is a type called basalt, and it is the hottest kind of
lava. More viscous lava such as andesite and dacite, which is what erupts
from stratovolcanoes like Mt. St. Helens and Pinatubo, is usually 200-300
centigrade degrees cooler. This is the interior temperature of these
viscous lavas. The surfaces are much cooler and the hottest parts are
down in cracks.
Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota
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