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  • Understanding Fissure Eruptions: How Lava Forms from Long Cracks
    When magma is released through long open cracks, it forms fissure eruptions.

    These eruptions are characterized by:

    * Large-scale outpourings of lava: The magma flows out of the crack in a wide, sheet-like manner, creating extensive lava flows.

    * Low-viscosity lava: The magma tends to be very fluid, allowing it to flow easily over long distances.

    * Formation of flood basalts: When fissure eruptions happen repeatedly over a long period, they can lead to the formation of vast, flat plains of basalt known as flood basalts.

    Examples of fissure eruptions include:

    * The Deccan Traps in India: These massive basalt flows, formed millions of years ago, are believed to have been caused by a series of fissure eruptions.

    * The Columbia River Basalt Group in the US: This area is home to another extensive flood basalt region formed by fissure eruptions.

    These eruptions can be incredibly powerful and are capable of significantly altering the landscape.

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