Lava lake covered with sections of cooled rock

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Lava lake covered with sections of cooled rock

Lava lake. Lake of molten rock (lava) with dark, cooler, solidified sections floating on its surface. The internal motions of the lava causes the surface sections to break apart and reveal the brighter lava beneath. These sections of cooler material riding on the fluid lava duplicate, on a very small scale, the motion of the plates of the Earths crust as they move over the fluid mantle within our planet. The movement of these crustal plates is known as plate tectonics. Cracks between the crustal plates allow molten rock within the mantle to reach the surface and be released as lava. Photographed at the Mauna Loa vent of the Kilauea volcano, Hawaii on 27 August 1972

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6343675

© US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Hawaii Kilauea Lake Lava Lava Flows Lava Lake Plate Tectonics Volcano

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Popular Themes > Geological

> Science > Space Exploration > Planets > Earth

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the mesmerizing sight of a lava lake adorned with sections of cooled rock. The fiery molten rock, known as lava, forms a lake with dark, solidified sections floating on its surface. The internal movements within the lava cause these cooler sections to break apart and unveil the brighter, scorching lava beneath. Remarkably, this miniature-scale phenomenon mirrors the motion of Earth's crustal plates as they glide over the fluid mantle beneath our planet's surface—a process referred to as plate tectonics. Just like cracks between these crustal plates allow molten rock from within the mantle to reach the surface and erupt as lava, cracks in this volcanic landscape enable glimpses into nature's raw power. Photographed at Hawaii's Mauna Loa vent of Kilauea volcano on 27 August 1972, this image showcases not only an awe-inspiring natural spectacle but also highlights key geological concepts such as plate tectonics and lava flows. It serves as a testament to both the beauty and scientific significance found in Earth's dynamic processes. This remarkable photograph is brought to you by Science Photo Library—an invaluable resource for those seeking visual representations of various scientific subjects—depicting an extraordinary moment that reminds us of our planet's ever-changing nature.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.