Strombolian eruption

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Strombolian eruption A type of volcanic activity which produces frequent, moderate eruptions. The lava is basaltic, but sufficiently viscous for entrapped gases to build up a pressure which is released in continuous small explosions. Lava, flung into the air, falls back to build up a steep-sided cone of interbedded lava and tephra. Lava flows are commonly erupted through breaches in the flanks of the cone. See VOLCANO. Compare HAWAIIAN ERUPTION; PELÉEAN ERUPTION; PLINIAN ERUPTION; SURTSEYAN ERUPTION; VESUVIAN ERUPTION; and VULCANIAN ERUPTION.