June 3, 2024 — Pancake spatter from the recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea

The recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea produced small volumes of lava and spatter. When very fluid lava lands on the ground, it may flatten upon impact and produce spatter known as 'pancake bombs.' When lava is stretched even further when cooling, thin strands of glass (Pele's hair) are created. The spatter pictured here is approximately 10 inches (25 centimeters) across. USGS image by A.R. Nalesnik.