How volcanologists sample lava from hard to almost impossible

September 14, 2021 2:20 PM

When volcanologists need to figure out things like how fast a lava flow moves, why adding water can cause an explosion, or even how volcanoes work on other planets sampling lava is the key. But a volcano isn't the only place you can get some. The team behind the Syracuse University Lava Project makes it in-house on a bigger scale than any other program like it. So, how do lab and field work come together to help volcanologists understand anything from Pele's hair to lava bombs? On this episode of Science Skills, producer Abby Tang goes to work at the Lava Project and sits down with field-expert Ben Edwards to understand the tools of the trade from hard to almost impossible.