Introduction
Fissure volcanoes are produced by eruptions that occur along elongated fissures versus at a central vent. Fissure eruptions occur when magma-filled dikes intersect the surface.
Fissure eruptions usually do not build substantial edifices, but instead feed lava flows that can travel great distances. Fissure eruptions may also occur in rift zones on shield volcanoes. They also frequently occur in monogenetic volcanic fields.
Fissure eruptions may be large or small, depending on the magma supply and length of the fissure. Fissure volcanoes have been the site of the largest volume volcanic eruptions in Earth’s history in terms of magnitude of lava erupted.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
