LAVA FLOW

LAVA FLOW
When a volcano erupts, the molten rock (or magma) that comes
out of the Earth is called lava. Because lava is so hot (more than
1,100 degrees C, over 2,000 degrees F), it remains molten and
flows across the ground until it cools and hardens into rock. Lava
is the most common form of material erupted from volcanoes
that form oceanic islands like the Galápagos and Hawaiian
Islands. Lavaflows are usually only 1-10 meters thick, but some
flows can be as thick as 50-100meters, depending on the type of
lava and the volume of the eruption. Deep within the Earth it is
so hot that some rocks slowly melt and become a thick flowing
substance called magma. Since it is lighter than the solid rock
around it, magma rises and collects in magma chambers.
Eventually, some of the magma pushes through vents and
fissures to the Earth's surface. The magma releases from the
EFFUSIVE ERUPTION
An eruption dominated by
the outpouring of lava
onto the ground is often
referred to as an effusive
eruption (as opposed to
the violent fragmentation
of magma by explosive
eruptions). Lava flows
generated by effusive
eruptions vary in shape,
thickness, length, and
width depending on the
type of lava erupted,
discharge, slope of the
ground over which the lava
travels, and duration of
eruption.
 EXPLOSIVE ERUPTION
Explosive eruption occur where
cooler, more viscous magmas
(such as andesite) reach the
surface. Dissolved gases cannot
escape as easily, so pressure
may build up until gas
explosions blast rock and lava
fragments into the air.
THREE MAIN TYPES OF LAVA FLOW

Aa SAVE ENVIRONTMENT

Aa lava flows are rough,

jagged, and blocky. They are
characterized by slow-moving,
viscous lava that breaks apart
into angular chunks as it cools
and solidifies. Aa lava flows can
be very dangerous and difficult
to traverse, as the rough
surface can make walking or
driving challenging.
PAHOEHOE
Pahoehoe lava flows
are smooth and ropey
in appearance, with a
ropy or braided
texture. This type of
lava is formed when
low-viscosity lava
flows quickly and
smoothly. Pahoehoe
lava flows are
generally easier to
traverse than Aa
flows, as the smooth
surface allows for
easier movement.
BLOCKY
Blocky lava flows are
similar in appearance to
Aa lava flows, but they
are generally slower-
moving and have larger,
blockier chunks of
solidified lava. Blocky lava
flows are formed when
more viscous lava cools
and solidifies more slowly
than Aa flows.
Lava flow can have a variety of effects on the environment and people
living in the affected area.
•Destruction of property and infrastructure: Lava flow can destroy homes,
buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in its path.
•Loss of vegetation: The intense heat of lava flow can destroy plant life in
the affected area. This can have long-term effects on the local ecosystem,
including the loss of habitat for animals and a reduction in soil quality.
•Economic impact: The destruction of property and infrastructure can have
a significant economic impact on the affected area, leading to job losses and
a decline in local businesses.
•Air pollution: Lava flow releases a variety of gases into the atmosphere,
including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. These gases can be harmful to
human health, causing respiratory problems and other health issues.
•Water contamination: Lava flow can contaminate local water sources with
ash, debris, and toxic chemicals.
 CAUSE AND EFFECT
When lava erupts
beneath a glacier or
flows over snow and ice,
meltwater from the ice and
snow can result in far-
reaching lahars. If it enters
a body of water or water
enters a lava tube, the
water may boil violently
and cause an explosive
shower of molten
spatter over a wide area.
THANK YOU