Lava fountain driven by reservoir of gas

In unprecedented measurements, volcanologists have pinpointed the source of volcanic gases driving a huge lava fountain from deep in Italy’s Mount Etna.

LET US SPRAY. This spectacular lava fountain gushed from a crater on the southwestern side of Mount Etna in June of 2000. C. Rivière

Scientists have long debated the source of the gases that propel fountains of lava skyward during some eruptions.