Lava fountain
A jet of lava sprayed into the air by the rapid formation and expansion of gas bubbles in the molten rock is called a lava
fountain. Lava fountains typically range from about 10 to 100 m in height, but occasionally reach more than 500 m.
Facts and Figures: A lava fountain erupted by Izu-Oshima volcano in Japan in 1986 reached a height of 1600 m, the highest ever
recorded.
The world's longest continuous lava fountain in historical time was erupted from the 25 km long Laki Fissure in
southern Iceland in 1783.
 |
Lava fountain at Etna's Bocca Nuova, 22.10.1999. Photo: M. Fulle |