molten rock crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "molten rock crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LAVA: Molten rock that has erupted from a volcano and flows onto the Earth's surface.
5 Letters
MAGMA: Molten rock material found beneath the Earth's surface, typically in a magma chamber.
More About "molten rock crossword clue"
The term "molten rock" is a fundamental concept in geology, referring to rock that has been heated to such high temperatures that it becomes liquid. This liquid rock is known as magma when it is still beneath the Earth's surface, and lava once it has erupted and flowed out onto the surface. Both forms play crucial roles in shaping our planet's landscape through volcanic activity and the formation of igneous rocks.
Magma forms in the Earth's mantle or crust where extreme temperatures and pressures cause rocks to melt. This melting can occur due to various geological processes, including decompression melting at mid-ocean ridges, addition of volatiles (like water) at subduction zones, or heat transfer from rising plumes. Once formed, magma is less dense than the surrounding solid rock, causing it to rise towards the surface.
When magma reaches the surface through volcanic vents, it loses dissolved gases and becomes lava. The viscosity of lava can vary widely, from thin, fast-flowing basaltic lavas that create vast plains, to thick, viscous rhyolitic lavas that build steep-sided stratovolcanoes. Understanding these distinctions is key not only for geology but also for accurately solving crosswords that delve into earth science topics.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: For clues like "molten rock," consider if the clue hints at whether the rock is above or below ground (e.g., "volcanic outflow" vs. "underground ooze"). This helps distinguish between LAVA and MAGMA.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. This is often the quickest way to narrow down possibilities, especially for common answers with similar meanings but different lengths.
- Look for Synonyms/Related Terms: Crossword constructors often use synonyms or closely related terms. Think broadly about the geological processes involved with molten rock, such as "ERUPTION" or "VOLCANO," as potential supporting clues for other words.
- Consider Scientific Vocabulary: Crosswords frequently test knowledge of scientific terms. If you encounter a clue related to geology, physics, or biology, recall specific terminology you might have learned.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lava and magma?
Magma is molten rock that is still beneath the Earth's surface. Once magma erupts from a volcano and flows onto the surface, it is then called lava.
How does molten rock form?
Molten rock (magma) forms deep within the Earth's mantle or crust where temperatures and pressures are extremely high, causing rocks to melt. This process is often associated with tectonic plate boundaries or hot spots.
Are there other terms for molten rock in crosswords?
While LAVA and MAGMA are the most common answers, depending on the clue's specific context or length, a puzzle might refer to related geological terms like 'ERUPTION', 'VOLCANO', or even 'BASALT' (a type of volcanic rock) if the clue points to a specific form or consequence of molten rock.