molten rock crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "molten rock crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you through your puzzle. Dive in and find your solution quickly!
Solutions for "molten rock crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LAVA: Molten rock that flows out of a volcano onto the Earth's surface.
5 Letters
MAGMA: Molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface, within the Earth's crust or mantle.
More About "molten rock crossword clue"
The clue "molten rock" is a classic in crosswords, often pointing to two primary geological terms: LAVA and MAGMA. Understanding the subtle distinction between these two terms is key to choosing the correct answer based on the letter count and any other intersecting clues in your puzzle.
LAVA specifically refers to molten rock that has been expelled from a volcano and flows across the land or ocean floor. It's what you see during a volcanic eruption. MAGMA, on the other hand, is the term used for molten rock that is still beneath the Earth's surface, typically found in magma chambers within the crust. Both are incredibly hot, viscous mixtures of molten and semi-molten rock, but their location determines their name.
Crossword constructors love these terms because they are concise, common knowledge, and perfectly fit common crossword lengths. Paying attention to surrounding clues that might hint at surface activity (for LAVA) versus subsurface (for MAGMA) can be a crucial tie-breaker if you're unsure.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Always check the letter count first: This is your primary filter for "molten rock" and many other clues. Knowing the required length immediately narrows down options like LAVA (4 letters) or MAGMA (5 letters).
- Look for context clues: Does an intersecting word hint at a volcano's opening (LAVA) or something deep underground (MAGMA)? Sometimes the puzzle gives you subtle hints beyond the main clue.
- Consider synonyms and related terms: While "molten rock" is direct, other clues might use terms like "volcanic outflow" (LAVA) or "earth's inner liquid" (MAGMA). Broaden your thinking to related concepts.
- Keep a glossary of common terms: For frequently appearing categories like geology, geography, or mythology, having a mental (or physical) list of common crossword answers can speed up your solving process.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between lava and magma?
Lava refers to molten rock that has erupted onto the Earth's surface, typically from a volcano, while magma is molten rock that remains beneath the Earth's surface, within the crust or mantle.
How do crossword solvers typically approach geological clues like 'molten rock'?
When encountering geological clues, crossword solvers often consider common terms related to Earth sciences and volcanic activity. The number of letters is key, and common answers like LAVA (4 letters) and MAGMA (5 letters) are usually the first to come to mind. Context from other solved clues can also narrow down the options.
Are there any other lesser-known terms for molten rock that appear in crosswords?
While LAVA and MAGMA are by far the most frequent answers for 'molten rock', occasionally puzzles might hint at specific rock types formed from molten material, such as BASALT (a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock) or OBSIDIAN (a naturally occurring volcanic glass). However, these are less direct answers to 'molten rock' itself.