New Headland Forms as La Palma Lava Meets Atlantic Ocean

Lava from the erupting Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma was creating a new headland as it poured into the Atlantic on Thursday, September 30.

The Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands posted this footage showing thick clouds of steam rise continuously from the ocean’s surface, after saying on September 27 that the lava and saltwater would combine to create “water vapor loaded with hydrochloric acid."

Scientists collected samples of the water around the island to test its temperature and chemistry after the introduction of lava to the ocean.

Spain’s Guardia Civil police force warned people within 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of the site to stay inside “given the possibility of harmful gas” as the molten lava hit the water. Credit: INVOLCAN via Storyful