Explosions like this can occur when lava flows enter the ocean. This photo, taken along the Kalapana ocean entry point on 27 November 1989, documents a common occurrence during the East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea that began in 1983 and ended in 2018.

Photo by J.D. Griggs, 1989 (U.S. Geological Survey).

This image is made available under the Public Domain Dedication CC0 license, but proper attribution is appreciated.

Keywords: lava | lava water interaction | steam | gas | eruption | lava flow

Kilauea