basalt flows

Basalt flows are large streams of lava that emerge during volcanic eruptions. When magma from beneath the Earth's surface reaches the surface, it cools and solidifies into basalt, a dark-colored, dense volcanic rock. These flows can spread across vast areas, creating smooth, often gently sloping surfaces. They form when the lava is very fluid, allowing it to travel long distances before cooling. Basalt flows shape the landscape of volcanic regions, creating features like plateaus and shield volcanoes. They are an important part of Earth's geological processes, contributing to the formation of new crust and influencing the environment around active volcanoes.