What can you do with a piece of fresh lava?

Lava collected from the Geldingadalir Volcano in Iceland - May 2021. Photo by Danny Smith

I recently visited the Geldingadalir volcano in Iceland and brought several fresh lava samples back for the geologists who served on my PhD committee. One of those geologists is Dr. Scott Brande of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). We met for coffee yesterday so that I could deliver his samples similar to the one photographed above. Scott was awarded a grant to develop a technique to produce three-dimensional models of geological samples that can be used in a wide array of applications. One of those applications is educational delivery where students can learn how to visually analyze and identify rocks. I was surprised and very impressed last night when he sent me the following three-dimensional modeling results for the sample I delivered. Click on the link where you can rotate the image and zoom in to see various features:

These samples are relatively light and full of hardened air bubbles and pore space. The volcano was erupting every few minutes sending lava thousands of feet up into the air above. The lava then solidifies as it rains down upon the surrounding area. The solid pieces are still hot enough to catch surface vegetation on fire and burn holes through clothing and backpacks. The pieces can also be quite sharp - I know because I was cut by one!

The Geldingadalir Volcano captured on 35 mm film - Photo by Danny Smith

Dr. Brande has certainly made a positive impact on the State of Alabama and around the USA as a significant number of outstanding environmental consultants were trained by him over the years. If any of you reading this are able, please send him cool geological samples from around the world and, in particular, beach sands, noting the date and exact collection location.

I enjoy seeing people as excited about their profession as Dr. Brande.