molten rock crossword puzzle – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "molten rock crossword puzzle", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "molten rock crossword puzzle" 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, often in a magma chamber.
More About "molten rock crossword puzzle"
"Molten rock" is a fascinating geological term that refers to rock in a liquid state due to extreme heat. When this molten rock is found beneath the Earth's surface, it's called magma. Magma is typically stored in magma chambers within the Earth's crust and can be the source of volcanic eruptions. Its composition varies greatly depending on the original rock and the conditions under which it melted, affecting its viscosity and eruption style.
Once magma reaches the Earth's surface through a volcanic vent or fissure, it is then called lava. Lava can flow as rivers of liquid rock, solidify into various forms like pahoehoe or 'a'ā, or be ejected explosively as volcanic bombs, ash, and pumice. The cooling and solidification of both magma and lava create igneous rocks, which form a significant part of the Earth's crust.
Understanding these distinct terms is crucial not only for geology enthusiasts but also for crossword solvers, as 'molten rock' is a classic clue that often has these two common answers depending on the length required.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Length: As seen with 'molten rock', many clues have multiple answers depending on the number of letters. Always check the grid to see how many letters the answer needs. This is often the first and most critical filter.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to any other words in the clue or the puzzle's theme. Is it a science-themed puzzle? A geography-themed one? This can often nudge you towards a specific answer among common alternatives.
- Think synonyms and related terms: For clues like "molten rock," think of all related geological terms. Sometimes a clue might point to a broader category or a specific example of the concept.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use Resources: It's perfectly fine to use online solvers or dictionaries when you're truly stuck. The goal is to learn and complete the puzzle, not to suffer in silence!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between magma and lava?
The fundamental difference between magma and lava is location. Magma is molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface, contained within the Earth's crust or mantle. Lava, on the other hand, is molten rock that has erupted from a volcano or vent and flows onto the Earth's surface.
Why is 'molten rock' a common clue in crosswords?
'Molten rock' is a popular crossword clue because it has two distinct, well-known answers of different lengths (LAVA and MAGMA), allowing puzzle constructors flexibility. It's also a fundamental geological term, making it accessible to a wide range of solvers.
Can 'molten rock' ever be solid?
While molten rock (magma or lava) is by definition liquid, it solidifies when it cools sufficiently. When magma cools underground, it forms intrusive igneous rocks (like granite). When lava cools on the surface, it forms extrusive igneous rocks (like basalt or obsidian). So, while the 'molten' state is liquid, its cooled form is solid rock.