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Getting in the (rift) zone: why and how they erupt

Detailed Description

Lava fountains erupting from fissure 22 (center) with heavy degassing (upper right) during Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone eruption in 2018. A narrow channelized lava flow from the fissure drains into a large, pre-existing ground crack. Weak spattering from the fissure 20 vent is visible just beyond to two sources of fissure 22 fountaining. Kapoho Cone, formed during an older rift zone eruption is visible on the horizon, downrift of the active fissures (upper left). USGS photo taken on May 20, 2018 by L. DeSmither.

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.