A series of en echelon fissures cutting the upper NE flank of the central lava shield of Piton de la Fournaise volcano fed these black, unvegetated lava flows that descend the flanks of the volcano. Most of the eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise, one the world's most active volcanoes, originate from fissure vents. Circumferential fissures such as these occur near the crater rim; more commonly radial fissures extend down the flanks perpendicular to the summit crater rim.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1976.

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

Piton de la Fournaise