Reunion Volcano

January 29, 2006

Formicaleo2

Provided and copyright by: Olivier Robin
Summary authors & editors: Jim Foster; Olivier Robin

The above photo shows the surface of a volcano on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean and was taken on November 25, 2005. This volcano is called Le piton de la Fournaise (The Piton of the Furnace in English) and is considered one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the world. Most historical eruptions have originated from the summit (2,631 m) and from the flanks of a 400 m high lava shield. Since the 17th century, upwards of 150 eruptions have been documented. At right center is is the small cone "Formica leo", which is approximately 5 meters in height and 8 meters in diameter. At left is one of the unique plants able to colonize on recent lave flows.

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