Is it true that volcanos draw lava from the center of the earth? Has anyone actually gone into an inactive volcano to see what makes the lava in the volcano?

rocky Sean Callahan

Hi Sean,

No, magma (which is what geologists call molten rock before it erupts) does not come from the center of the earth. Instead, it comes from the upper mantle and lower crust (anywhere from 50 to 150 km below the surface). Considering that it is about 6500 km to the center of the Earth that depth of magma production isnt very deep.

You cant really go into a volcano other than perhaps into a summit crater or caldera. Volcanoes are not hollow structures - theyre made up of rock. There may be plenty of pore space for water and gas to percolate through, and magma will now and then force its way through, but a person couldnt get down inside.

Sincerely,
Scott Rowland 

Other Categories        Other Questions

To VolcanoWorld