Volcanic Hazards » Lava Flows
Lava flows are masses of molten rock that pour onto Earth's surface during an effusive eruption. Both moving lava and the resulting solidified deposit are referred to as lava flows. Lava flows threaten everything in their immediate path through intense heat by surrounding or burying everything, by melting snow and ice to form lahars.
Lava flows spread from a lava fountain on the side of Pu`u `O`o cone, located on the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano, 1986. (U.S. Geological Survey)