Illustrated Volcano Glossary

Updated: Dec 2, 2023 12:35 GMT - refresh

lava flow

Volcanology

Lava flows near the coast from Kilauea volcano, Hawai'i

Lava flow on Stromboli volcano flowing down the Sciara del Fuoco and entering the sea

Large aa lava flow on Etna volcano

Lava flow on Etna volcano

Lava flows are almost self-explanatory. When magma is erupted in molten or a partially molten state it often has the ability to flow. This is typically the case for basaltic volcanoes such as Hawaii and Etna whose lavas are relatively fluid. Lava flows might form either as primary flows directly flowing out of a vent from the vent or by rapid aggregation of hot fluid spatter that fall back from lava fountains to form a flow.

The appearance of lava flows can vary greatly with chemistry, flow rate, strain rate, temperature, viscosity and other factors. The most simple division can be made between aa lava that usually has a blocky appearance, since the surface of the flow breaks into spiny or blocky pieces, and pahoehoe lava flows, which form a smooth surface and often produce spectacular ropy textures.

Related keywords (3):

lava fountain - lava dome - lava lake

More on VolcanoDiscovery

Dallol

Dallol hot springs
One of the most bizarre landscapes on earth: Dallol is a vast and very active hydrothermal field creating a colorful array of hot springs, small geysers, salt towers, colorful lakes and ponds in the middle of the deepest part of the Danakil desert and the Karum salt lake.

Krakatoa video

Krakatoa explodes
In the afternoon of 17 Oct, a particularly violent explosion occurred at Anak Krakatau, blasting away a portion of the southern crater rim. A similar event might have been the final trigger for the catastrophic landslide that let the cone collapse and cause a devastating tsunami on 22 Dec 2018.

Kamchatka 2018

Tour photos Sep 2018
Impressions from our Tour to Kamchakta during Sep 2018: northern group of volcanoes, Karymsky, and the southern plateau with Mutnovsky and Gorely.

Krakatoa explosion

Eruption from close
On 17 Oct, explosions were particularly violent at Anak Krakatau. We show a series of images of a spectacular explosion captured from close range by boat.

Volcano Calendar 2016

Volcano Calendar 2016
We're proud to present our new volcano calendar 2016: 13 different and attractive images of volcanoes, volcanic landscapes and phenomena taken during volcano tours over the past few years.

Why is there advertising on this site?

Support us - Help us upgrade our services!

We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world. Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources.
We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please make a donation (PayPal or Online credit card payment).

Planned features: