How high does lava shoot up on a volcano?
Jack
Dear Jack,
Lava fountains can propel lava 1,000-2,000 feet (300-600 m) above the
volcano. The gas dissolved inside the magma is the driving force. As
the magma approaches the surface the pressure on it decreases. The gas
in the magma starts forming bubbles and the bubbles keep growing larger.
The expanding and bursting bubbles force the lava into the air.
Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota
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