What are the types of lava?

There are three basic types of lave. They are

• Basaltic: Basaltic lava is high in iron, magnesium, and calcium but low in potassium and sodium. It ranges in temperature from about 1000oC to 1200oC.
• Andesitic:  Andesitic lava has moderate amounts of iron, magnesium, and calcium but is low in potassium and sodium. It ranges in temperature from about 800oC to 1000oC.
• Rhyolitic:  Rhyolitic lava is high in potassium and sodium but low in iron, magnesium, and calcium. It occurs in the temperature range of about 650oC to 800oC.

Further Reading:

• Volcanoes
• Volcanic Landforms