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What type of lava is characterized by a rough surface?

  1. pahoehoe

  2. aa

  3. basalt

  4. andesite

The correct answer is: aa

The correct type of lava that is characterized by a rough surface is aa lava. Aa lava has a jagged, blocky surface and is typically produced when lava cools and solidifies rapidly after being erupted from a volcano. The rough texture comes from the rapid cooling and the crystalline structure that forms as it solidifies. In contrast, pahoehoe lava has a smooth, ropy surface due to its higher fluidity when it is still molten. Basalt and andesite are types of volcanic rock, which can be produced from either aa or pahoehoe lava, but the texture described specifically refers to aa lava. Thus, the defining feature of aa lava's surface contributes to its identification as the answer to the question.