How is lava formed?

rocky Ryan

Hi Ryan,

Lava is molten rock that forms below the surface of the earth. It probably forms between 150 and 50 km down, and we call it magma before it reaches the surface. Once it reaches the surface to erupt and flow down the side of a volcano, we call it lava, even though it really is the same stuff.

The heat that is required to form the magma in the first place comes from the natural decay of radioactive elements within the earth.

I hope this helps answer your question.

Sincerely,

Scott Rowland, University of Hawaii 

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