Final answer:
Geology unveils the Earth's formation and tectonic functions, where lava lakes offer a window into magma behavior. Plate tectonics, propelled by heat from Earth's core, explain our evolving landscape, and the distinction between magma and lava relates to their location related to Earth's surface. The Earth's ancient supercontinent Pangea has since divided into the current continents due to tectonic movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of geology provides us valuable insights into the Earth's formation, its atmospheric conditions, and tectonic movements. An understanding of plate tectonics shows that the Earth's surface is made up of several-moving sections called tectonic plates. These plates move due to the convection currents driven by heat escaping from the Earth's interior, which also leads to the formation of mountains, valleys, and other landforms. A lava lake is a significant geological feature that allows scientists to study the properties and movement of magma before it is erupted as lava.
The Earth was formed about 4.6 billion years ago from the dust and gas of a solar nebula. Over time, it cooled and developed a crust, which was broken into tectonic plates. The Earth's core is incredibly hot, with temperatures estimated to be between 4,000 to 6,000 degrees Celsius (7,200 to 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit). Magma and lava are intrinsically linked: magma is the molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, and when it erupts, it is termed as lava.
Approximately 220 million years ago, during the late Triassic period, the Earth's continental configurations were vastly different, forming a supercontinent known as Pangea. Over time, plate tectonics caused this megacontinent to break apart and drift to form the continents we know today.