Lava
flows are masses of molten rock that pour onto the Earth's surface
during an
effusive eruption. Both moving
lava
and the resulting solidified deposit are referred to as lava
flows. Because of the wide range in (1) viscosity of the different
lava types (
basalt,
andesite,
dacite, and
rhyolite); (2) lava discharge during eruptions; and (3) characteristics
of the erupting
vent
and topography over which lava travels, lava flows come in a great
variety of shapes and sizes.