Submarine eruptions at mid-ocean ridges produce fresh lava flows like these pillow lavas.

Submarine eruptions at mid-ocean ridges produce fresh lava flows like these "pillow" lavas that form as lava slowly oozes out of a fissure (crack) on the sea floor. These lavas erupted from the southern part of the Juan de Fuca Ridge, lying about 150 mi off the coast of Oregon. This photo was taken about 5 yrs after the eruption. Image courtesy of Submarine Ring of Fire 2002 Exploration, NOAA-OE.

Related Links

Submarine Ring of Fire 2006

Submarine Ring of Fire 2006: Volcanism

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery

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