Asked by: Anonymous
The seething lakes of lava formed during volcanic eruptions are often covered with distinctive zig-zag patterns, with the searing-hot lava showing up below a darker crust. Using a combination of theory and experiments with molten wax, American geophysicists have shown that the angle of the zig-zags is determined by the rate at which fresh lava spreads out, and how quickly it subsequently cools and turns solid.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors
Robert is a science writer and visiting professor of science at Aston University. He likes maths, West End musicals and hamsters.
