lavó

Lava is molten rock that has erupted from a volcano or other fissure on the surface of the Earth or another planet. When lava cools and hardens, it forms igneous rock. The word "lava" comes from the Italian word for "flow."

Lava is typically very hot, with temperatures ranging from 700 to 1,200 degrees Celsius (1,300 to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit). It can flow slowly or rapidly, depending on its viscosity, which is determined by its composition and temperature. Lavas rich in silica tend to be more viscous and flow more slowly, while lavas low in silica are less viscous and flow more easily.

The composition of lava varies depending on the type of volcano and the geological setting. Basaltic lava, common in shield volcanoes like those in Hawaii, is low in silica and flows readily. Andesitic lava, found in stratovolcanoes, has a higher silica content and is more viscous. Rhyolitic lava, the most silica-rich and viscous, is often associated with explosive eruptions.

When lava erupts, it can create various geological features. Lava flows can cover large areas, forming lava fields. Rapid cooling can create distinctive textures like pahoehoe (smooth, ropy) or a'a (rough, clinkery) surfaces. Underwater volcanic eruptions produce pillow lava, characterized by rounded, pillow-like structures. The cooling and solidification of lava also contribute to the formation of volcanic landforms such as cones, craters, and calderas.