Scientists demonstrate how to interact with the water and lava – BBC

Researchers at the University of Buffalo in the United States have created lava in the lab, which will subsequently be used for experiments simulating an eruption. This was reported on the website of the University

The aim of future experiments -. Learn how to interact with each other water and lava. This is the case of volcanoes, covered with glaciers, such as Eyyafyatlaekudl in Iceland, whose eruption in 2010 led to the closure of airspace over Europe for several days

Ingo Sonder, project manager, explains. “Water availability or ice makes a explosive eruption. These events occur infrequently, but their effects are enormous. As geologists, we want to understand the conditions that give rise to explosions – such as how much you need to water. ” Previous studies conducted in small scale – scientists studied the amount of lava, comparable to the size of a cup of coffee. In the future, the scope of the experiment would be substantially greater than

To get the lava, the researchers warmed basalt -. Volcanic rock – within the magnetic induction furnace up to 1,371 degrees Celsius. The molten rock held at this temperature for about three hours, regular steel stirring rod. In the future, the substance razolyut for baths, holds 10 gallons (38 liters) of lava. Since the resulting material can not be considered safe, the experimenters will be dressed in costumes with reflective green shield on his face that protects against infrared radiation.

If the experiment proves successful, scientists will be able to better understand how people living in the vicinity of volcanoes, will be able to protect themselves from the eruptions. Previously, scientists from Germany also investigated the volcanic lava, in particular, studied the nature of volcanic lightning and cooked steaks on an artificial lava.