Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What does the term lava flow refer to?

1. The path taken by ash during an eruption

2. The movement of liquid magma on the surface

3. The formation of new land by volcanic activity

4. The cooling process of magma underground

The correct answer is: The movement of liquid magma on the surface

Lava flow specifically refers to the movement of liquid magma that has erupted onto the Earth's surface. When a volcano erupts, magma from within the Earth rises to the surface due to pressure changes and temperature, at which point it is known as lava. Unlike other volcanic materials such as ash or gas, which can travel through the air, lava flows are characterized by their viscosity and can spread across the landscape, forming new geological features as they cool and solidify. These flows can vary significantly in speed and can cover vast areas, contributing to the landscape and altering ecosystems in the process. The other options describe different aspects of volcanic activity or geological processes. The path taken by ash during an eruption indicates an aerial dispersal of volcanic material. The formation of new land by volcanic activity encompasses a broader range of events, including lava flows, but does not specifically address the movement of liquid lava itself. The cooling process of magma underground pertains to the solidification of magma before it reaches the surface, which is a separate process from the flow of lava itself once it has erupted.