12/09/2026
Deep beneath the Earth’s surface, far below the volcanic rocks, temperatures and pressures are incredibly intense. In the upper mantle, some rocks become partially molten, creating a hot, thick substance called magma. Because this molten material is less dense than the surrounding solid rock, it slowly begins to rise toward the surface.
As magma moves upward, gases dissolved inside it expand because the surrounding pressure decreases. This increasing gas pressure, combined with the natural movement of magma through cracks and weak zones in Earth’s crust, can force the molten material higher. Sometimes, magma collects in an underground chamber, where pressure continues to build over time.
Eventually, the pressure becomes strong enough to push magma through fractures and volcanic vents. When it finally reaches the Earth’s surface, it is called lava.
The scene in this image shows intensely hot lava flowing through a narrow volcanic channel. Its brilliant red-orange color comes from its extremely high temperature. The lava behaves like a powerful, glowing liquid, moving downhill under gravity while spreading through cracks and channels. As it travels, its outer surface gradually cools and forms a dark, solid crust, while hotter molten lava continues moving underneath.
This spectacular process reveals the immense energy constantly moving beneath our planet’s surface.
