How are lava, magma, and basalt of use to the environment?

Max

Of course in the long run, the Earth's atmosphere and oceans came from gases given off from volcanoes, but that has been a slow-going process over the age of the Earth. More immediately, because magma is still underground, it's only use is to provide heat to the surface, usually in the form of hot springs or fumaroles. Lava, which is molten rock that has reached the surface, when it cools it provides the base for plants to grow, although most lava flows probably destroy more plants when they're erupted than they provide for once they're cooled. Erupting volcanoes are just a natural part of the process of how the Earth works. Like any other natural process they are partially destructive, but also provide new niches and opportunities for evolution. I'm not sure if I answered your question exactly.

Sincerely,
Scott Rowland

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