Lõhkhad

Lõhkhad, known scientifically as fissure eruptions, are a type of volcanic eruption characterized by the expulsion of lava from a long, narrow crack in the Earth's crust rather than from a central vent. These fissures can be several kilometers long and are often associated with the rifting of tectonic plates. During a lõhkhad eruption, magma rises through the fissure and flows out onto the surface, typically forming extensive lava flows. These flows can cover vast areas and build up thick sequences of basaltic rock, often creating large volcanic plains or plateaus.

Unlike explosive eruptions from stratovolcanoes, lõhkhad are usually effusive, meaning the lava is relatively fluid and flows rather than violently erupting. While they may produce some gas, the primary hazard is the widespread inundation by lava. The duration of lõhkhad can vary, from short bursts to prolonged periods lasting months or even years, continuously feeding lava onto the landscape. These types of eruptions are common in regions like Iceland, Hawaii, and parts of East Africa, where volcanic activity is linked to plate tectonics. The study of lõhkhad provides valuable insights into magmatic processes and the formation of large igneous provinces.