Question #e8e67

1 Answer
Nov 22, 2016

It just wouldn't really be the same planet.

Explanation:

It's important to separate lava from magma. Lava is what crystallizes on the earth's surface to create an extrusive igneous rock (it has a fairly high freezing temperature, but the exact temperatures depend on the chemical composition). Magma, alternatively, is what is considered molten rock and is located in the earth's crust.

If there was no lava, that would indicate that there isn't volcanism on the surface of the planet. A planet sans volcanoes may not exist with life on it, since there are developing theories related to how deep sea vents may be responsible for providing the planet's spark of life.

Aside from the effects of historical removal, if the lava were removed now, the mechanical force driving the movement of the plates would cease. No plate movement may mean no more earthquakes, but the rock cycle would cease. On a large timescale - even on terms of geological time - rocks would no longer exist. Imagine a life without rocks, and the stability they bring us.
The ground you're standing on is supported by rocks, one way or another.

It just wouldn't be the same planet.