The question seems to relate to terms commonly used in Earth Science, as it mentions elements of the Earth's structure.
Let's break down the clues:
Molten rock below the Earth's surface: This is referred to as Magma . Magma is a hot, fluid or semi-fluid material located beneath the Earth's crust, from which lava and other igneous rock forms through cooling and solidification. It is a crucial part of volcanic activity where it can be released onto the surface during eruptions. Understanding magma is essential for grasping how volcanic landforms are created and for predicting volcanic activities.
It has an average thickness of 8 to 60 km: This clue refers to the Crust . The Earth’s crust is the outermost solid shell of the planet, essentially the surface upon which we live. There are two main types of crust: the continental crust, which is thicker and less dense, and the oceanic crust, which is thinner and denser. The crust's thickness can vary, hence the range from about 8 km (in oceanic regions) to 60 km in some continental areas.
Both terms are important when studying the structure and layers of the Earth, and they help us understand geological processes. For middle school students, these concepts are fundamental as they learn about Earth's systems and natural phenomena.