by 
AceJazz
ANSWERS: 3
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Flowing lava actually can melt through the sides of a volcano but it is a very very slow process. The main reason is that the volcano itself is (of course) also made of lava (and ash). The important thing is that the lava has to melt the solid form of itself.
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Most of the melting takes place far underground, and by the time it come out, it has already started to cool and harden.
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Simply the volcano is too big - it is the result of lots of past lava flows. The lava is cooling fast when it appears. It may melt a little away, but it cools to fast. Like you cannot clear the whole driveway of snow with one kettle of hot water.
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