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21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Lava River

Aerial view of the lava flow from the Litli-Hrútur volcano eruption in Iceland on July 2023. A big piece of solidifying rock flows through the middle of the dense flow. The surface is already solidifying a bit, creating a layer that looks flowy and wrinkly at the same time. The lava flows between colder lava, that has only been there for a couple of days and it's not quite solid beneath a small layer of solid surface. As soon as first news of a possible eruption in Iceland, I set up to be able to fly there immediately in case of eruption. First lava seen, so I got on my way there! As soon as the eruption area area was open, hiked to the volcano, reached there by sunset (around 10pm). Light was beautiful, so immediately launched my drone.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2023
Date Uploaded: 09.2023
Photo Location: Litli-Hrútur, Iceland
Camera: L1D-20c
Copyright: © Alex Visbal