Lava spines are towering masses
of lava that form during slow eruptions of stiff, pasty lava. The lava is
so rigid that it maintains its plug-like shape, even as it is pushed tens of
feet into the air.
This is a small lava spine formed
during the December 1980 eruption. Lava spines are temporary features
because the hot rock fractures as it cools. Most spines at Mount St.
Helens have collapsed within two weeks.
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