Slow, piston-like extrusion of a solidified portion of a lava dome sometimes produces vertical lava spines that rise above the surface of the dome. The world's largest known spine rose to a maximum height of 350 m, more than twice that of the Washington Monument, at Mount Pelee on Martinique in 1903. Growth of the spine began in November 1902 and reached its maximum on May 31, 1903. It slowly disintegrated and was gone by the end of the eruption two years later. This photo was taken on March 15, 1903.

From the collection of Maurice and Katia Krafft.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Pelée