What is a volcanic fissure eruption?
Quick Answer
A fissure eruption happens when lava erupts from a long crack in the ground instead of a single volcano vent. These eruptions can produce vast lava flows and reshape landscapes over large areas.
The Full Story
Fissure eruptions occur when magma reaches the surface through an elongated fracture in the crust. Rather than a steep cone, the eruption may appear as a line of fire or multiple vents. Iceland is famous for fissure eruptions because it sits on a spreading plate boundary and a hotspot; the 1783 Laki eruption was one of the largest in recorded history. Fissure eruptions can release huge volumes of lava, create lava plateaus, and send volcanic gases into the atmosphere. They may be less explosive than ash-rich eruptions, but their scale can still make them devastating.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"When lava erupts from a crack instead of a mountain"
Was this answer helpful?
Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.