Lava

Lava is a stream of magma (molten rock at least 1000°C) that flows from a volcano to lower lying land under the influence of gravity.  The distance the magma will flow will depend on varaibles such as the steepness of the slope, the volume erupted, and the viscosity of the magma. Everything in its path will be incinerated and be smothered. The speed lava 3827  moves at is generally reported to be “slow enough for people and moveable possessions to be saved”. 3828  Of the 49 volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic field, 30 have lava flows some of which extend as far as 10 km.

Islington Bay Lava Field (Credit: Raewyn Peart)

  1. http://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Learning/Science-Topics/Volcanoes/New-Zealand-Volcanoes/Volcano-Geology-and-Hazards/Auckland-Volcanic-Field-Geology

  2. http://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Learning/Science-Topics/Volcanoes/New-Zealand-Volcanoes/Volcano-Geology-and-Hazards/Auckland-Volcanic-Field-Geology

Last updated at 10:50AM on February 8, 2018