hraunflæði

Hraunflæði refers to the movement of molten rock, or lava, during a volcanic eruption. When the Earth's crust cracks or weakens, magma from beneath the surface can ascend and erupt onto the land. This ejected material, now called lava, flows downhill under the influence of gravity. The speed and distance of a lava flow depend on several factors, including the lava's viscosity, the slope of the terrain, and the volume of lava erupted.

Different types of lava exhibit varying viscosities. Basaltic lava, typically found in shield volcanoes, is relatively fluid and can travel long distances, forming broad lava fields and smooth pahoehoe flows. More viscous lavas, like andesitic or rhyolitic, tend to flow more slowly and can create steeper, blockier aa flows or even form lava domes. The cooling and solidification of lava result in new rock formations, which can significantly alter landscapes over time. Hraunflæði is a fundamental process in volcanism and plays a crucial role in shaping volcanic landforms.