Why Is the Earth's Core Made of Molten Lava?

Question

What makes/keeps it so hot?

Answer 1

It isn't.

There is an inner core and an outer core. The inner core is solid nickel-iron and the outer core is liquid nickel-iron. Movement in the outer core creates the magnetic field of earth.

The decay of radioactive elements generates most of the heat of the earth.

Answer 2

You have a misleading question: lava is molten rock that is extruded onto the surface of the Earth. Since the core is far from the surface, there is no lava there. Also, the inner core is solid and the outer core is liquid, another (quasi) misleading point. The main source of heat is, as another mentioned, radioactive isotopes of uranium, thorium and potassium.

Answer 3

It isn't. Magma is what you call subteranean melted rock. Lava is what it is called when it reaches the surface.

Pressure, radioactive decay, and the differential tidal forces of gravity help maintain the heat in the core.

The outer core is liquid. the inner core is solid.

Answer 4

According to Wikipedia, the heat that hold the earth core hot coming from the radioactive decay of potassium-40, uranium-238 and thorium-232 isotopes. You can read further information from the link.

Answer 5

intense pressure --- The core is made of two sections - a liquid outer core and a solid inner core. Both sections are made predominantly of iron and nickel. The inner core is under such great pressure that it cannot melt, even though temperatures are estimated at 3,700-6,000°C (6,700-10,800°F). This is about the temperature of the surface of the sun, while a sizzling molten lava flow from Kilauea is a cool 1,100°C (2,000°F).


http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/2003/03_10_09.html

Answer 6

Thermonuclear radiation at core. Radiation is getting weaker and the core is slowly cooling.

Answer 7

I thought the core was a solid ball of nickel-iron...
And Pressure.

Answer 8

The pressure.