This is an image of the eruption of Stromboli volcano.
Click on image for full size version (128K GIF) Image from: Dr. J. Alean, Eglisau, Switzerland
For more information, images and video about Stromboli volcano see Stromboli On-Line
Lava is the word for magma (melted rock) which comes out onto the surface of the Earth. When lava comes out of the magma chamber and cools, it hardens into rock. The term lava can describe melted rock which flows, and pieces thrown into the air by eruptions.
Lava comes in many different forms, among them are:
'A'a - lava which has a blocky or spiny surface. A'a' is pronounced ah-ah because that is the sound someone will make if they accidentally walk over a still hot flow.
Pahoehoe - Lava with a smooth, or ropy appearance.
Block lava - A solid rock chunk which was thrown from a volcano or lava flow.
Bomb lava - Also known as volcanic bombs; lava chunks thrown from volcanos while partially molten.
Pillow lava - Lava that comes out underwater makes long pillow-shaped rocks.
Lava coming out the the volcano's mouth can flow at different speeds. It usually moves slower than a walking rate. Lava in tight channels can sometimes flow as fast or faster than an Olympic sprinter can run.
