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Lava samples collected near Mauna Loa’s fissure 3 vent

By Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Photograph of eruption with inset photo of lava sample
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Detailed Description

Lava samples collected near Mauna Loa’s fissure 3 vent (shown in this December 7 overflight photo) are glassy and contain bubbles and some very small (200 microns or 0.008 inches long) minerals like plagioclase and pyroxene, as shown in the grey-scale microscope image inset. USGS photos by Kendra J. Lynn. 

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.