Volcanoes are among the Earth's geological wonders. These tall vents release smoke and ash over three continents. At times, they also reveal lava that erupts to the surface through the volcano or a crustal fracture.
How Hot is Lava?
Lava, which is a form of magma consisting of crystals, bubbles, and volcanic glass, is known to be blazing hot. In fact, according to USA Today, its temperature can range from 1,300 to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. This is roughly equivalent to 700 to 1,200 degrees Celsius. Such temperature variations largely depend on the chemistry and minerals melted within the lava, ZME Science notes.
According to the United States Geological Survey, Kīlauea lava's eruption temperature went as high as around 2,140 degrees Fahrenheit or 1,170 degrees Celsius. For the lava within the tubes, it went up to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1,250 degrees Celsius.
Other than this, the temperature of lava could also depend on the type of rock. USA Today adds that, according to the Oregon State University, Dacite lava may range from 1,472 to 2012 degrees Fahrenheit, while Rhyolitic lava could be as hot as 1,292 to 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit. Basalt lava temperatures also range from 1,823 to 2,282 degrees Fahrenheit, and Andesite lava could be 1,742 to 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit.
Britannica notes that the lava could either be fluid or stiff. Its overall viscosity depends on its silica content. When it is fluid, it may flow like syrup. However, when it is stiff, it may hardly flow at all.
The eruption of magma leads to the formation of lava. When magma cannot exit its landform, pressure builds up and leads to gas and lava explosions.
Lava also contains oxygen, silicon, iron, aluminum, magnesium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, titanium, and potassium. Aside from that, it also holds other elements in small quantities.
Because of lava's great temperatures, it tends to leave all living creatures and even houses in its path devastated.
What Lava Can and Cannot Melt
A-Z Animals reports that lava is capable of melting any material that has melting points that do not exceed 2,190 degrees Fahrenheit. These materials may include tanks, cars, rubber, grass, and trees. In cases where the lava does not fully melt such materials, it may set them on fire, resulting in ashes.
While lava may melt all these materials, there are also some natural materials that have the capacity to withstand its intense heat. Tungsten, for instance, has a melting point of 6,191.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Per A-Z Animals, lava's optimal heat is unable to melt tungsten due to the latter's extremely high melting point. Other materials that can withstand the immense heat of lava include titanium and aluminum oxide.
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