Vulkaanipomme

Vulkaanipomme, often translated as volcanic bombs, are large fragments of molten or semi-molten rock ejected from a volcano during a volcanic eruption. They are classified as pyroclastic material, specifically as tephra. The size of vulkaanipomme can vary significantly, ranging from a few centimeters to several meters in diameter.

The formation of vulkaanipomme occurs when blobs of lava are thrown out of a volcanic vent. As they travel through the air, the outer layer cools and solidifies, while the interior remains molten. This rapid cooling can result in various shapes depending on the initial viscosity of the lava and the forces acting upon it during its flight. Common shapes include spherical, ellipsoidal, and spindle-shaped bombs. More complex forms, such as bread-crust bombs, develop a cracked outer shell as the interior continues to expand and cool.

Vulkaanipomme can pose a significant hazard to areas surrounding an erupting volcano. Their trajectory and impact can cause considerable damage. Due to their size and density, they are typically deposited relatively close to the vent, often within a few kilometers. The study of vulkaanipomme provides valuable insights into the eruptive processes and the composition of the magma. They are a direct sample of the material being expelled from the volcano's interior.