Notes

Lava, which is a molten rock expelled from a volcano during an eruption, has several properties that contribute to the destruction of organic remains:

1. High temperatures: Lava can reach extremely high temperatures, typically ranging from 700 to 1200 degrees Celcius, (1300 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit). This intense temperature can quickly incinerate organic matter, including the remains of living things. The high heat causes the organic material to burn and disintegrate, leaving behind little to no trace.

2. Rapid cooling and solidification: When lava flows out of a volcano, it is in a molten state and initially has a very high temperature. However, upon exposure to the surrounding environment, lava cools and solidifies rapidly. This quick cooling process further inhibits the preservation of organic material. The rapid solidification can trap and encapsulate any organic matter within the rock, effectively preventing its preservation.

3. Chemical composition: Lava is primarily composed of molten rock, which is made up of minerals such as silica, iron, magnesium, and various other elements. These minerals do not typically preserve organic material well. As the lava cools and solidifies, the minerals form a crystalline structure, which further reduces the chances of organic remains being preserved. The lack of conductive conditions for fossilization in lava makes it unlikely for the remains of living things to be preserved.

In contrast to lava, other types of rocks, such as sedimentary rocks, have better preservation potential for organic remains. Sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation of sediments, which can include the remains of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Over time, these organic remains can undergo processes like burial, compaction, and mineralization, leading to their preservation as fossils.