Alkaline lava has a melting temperature in excess of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The fluidity and extreme temperature of Nyiragongo's lava make for a particularly deadly combination during eruptions.

Abby Tang: This is lava. And this is also lava ... and gradually bring the rocks up to temperature. More from Science ...

Video footage shows a geologist scooping molten lava into a bucket of water before it is taken away for testing. The lava has a thin crust on it that's caused by air cooling, so the geologist has ...