Lava Meets Snow: Baffling Video from Icelandic Eruption Sparks Scientific Insights

A fascinating and unusual natural phenomenon captured by Dutch photographer Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove on the eve of this February's eruptive episode at Iceland's Sundhnukagigar volcano has triggered widespread amazement online. The captivating video obtained by our website showcases lava flowing over snow, shrouding normally visible steam that accompanies volcanic eruptions.

According to Mr. Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, the clip raised debate in his social media posting: "I managed to capture this remarkable moment during my visit to Sundhnúkagígar earlier this year. The unusual clip sparked a lot of speculation among viewers asking if the video was authentic due to its complete absence of typical steam visible on such occasions."

Contrary to public expectations, leading geological research established that there must have been no visible steam emanating from the phenomenon in question. Instead, renowned scientist and Geology Professor Dr., revealed more details by writing: "In scientific terms it is attributed to a fundamental scientific principle known as the Leidenfrost effect and occurs whenever liquid encounters thermal surfaces much hotter than its boiling point. Since lava reaches an extremely high temperature at which only water's topmost layer gets damaged, vapors form in reality when molten rock cross over surface snow."

Mr. Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove added more context by explaining: "The speed at which the lava flows creates a unique environment where fresh molten lava prevents any vaporization while snow layers get exposed immediately underneath," he says. "Due to movement characteristics, and rapid coverage before any chance appears for an explosive mixture of water to melt beneath its surface it gets held firmly underneath that layer."