Lava flow and young plant, Hawaii

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Lava flow and young plant, Hawaii

Lava flow and a young plant. Active lava flow (upper frame, black and glowing red) advancing towards a young fern plant (lower frame) growing in an older lava flow. Lava is molten rock that rises from beneath the Earths surface. It is hot enough to glow red and spreads out over the surrounding areas, destroying the vegetation. Eventually, the lava will cool, and new volcanic rock (black) will form. Between eruptions, the processes of erosion and colonisation by plants will break up the rock, eventually forming a rich volcanic soil that can support a large number of plants. This lava flow is from the Kilauea volcano on the Pacific island of Hawaii

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6343315

© DR JUERG ALEAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Burning Covering Dead Death Doomed Earth Science Fern Flowing Fluid Geological Glowing Hawaii Hawaiian Heat Island Kilauea Lava Lava Flow Pacific Physical Geography Us A Volcanic Volcano Volcanology Vulcanology

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intense juxtaposition between destructive power and the resilience of life. In the upper frame, a mesmerizing display of an active lava flow unfolds before our eyes. The molten rock glows ominously in shades of black and fiery red as it advances relentlessly towards its surroundings. Its scorching heat engulfs everything in its path, leaving behind a trail of destruction. However, amidst this chaos lies a symbol of hope in the lower frame - a young fern plant bravely growing in an older lava flow. Against all odds, this delicate plant emerges from the barren landscape, defying the volcanic fury that surrounds it. It serves as a testament to nature's ability to adapt and thrive even under extreme conditions. The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Pacific island is responsible for this awe-inspiring scene. As eruptions occur intermittently over time, erosion and colonization by plants gradually break down the hardened volcanic rock. This transformative process eventually creates nutrient-rich soil capable of supporting diverse vegetation. In this single image captured by Science Photo Library, we witness both death and rebirth intertwined within Earth's geological processes. It reminds us that while destruction may be inevitable at times, life has an extraordinary capacity to emerge from adversity with renewed vigor and beauty.

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