Fascinating Facts About Lava

Lava is molten rock that breaks through the Earth's surface during a volcanic eruption.

1. Magma vs. Lava: Molten rock is called magma while it stays underground, but it becomes lava once it reaches the surface.
2. Temperature: Lava is extremely hot, with typical temperatures ranging from 700°C to 1,200°C (1,300°F to 2,200°F).
3. Color and Heat: Bright orange lava is usually 1,000°C or hotter, while darker red lava is cooler, sitting around 650°C to 800°C.
4. Speed: Many lava flows move slowly enough that people can walk or run away from them, though fast initial surges can reach up to 45 km per hour.