Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Scientists have not seen a metal volcano erupt on another world. Instead, a large-scale laboratory experiment offers a glimpse of what one might look like: metallic melt moved much faster than silicate lava and formed thin, braided channels that could leave distinctive surface patterns. Those patterns are possible clues for future planetary studies—not evidence that metal volcanoes have been found on an asteroid.
What is ferrovolcanism?
Ferrovolcanism is a predicted form of volcanism involving molten metal. It is an unusual idea because familiar volcanoes erupt silicate rock, while some planetary bodies may contain metal-rich material that could melt and flow. Arianna Soldati and coauthors described ferrovolcanism as “yet to be directly observed” in their 2021 paper in Nature Communications.
The study, “Imagining and constraining ferrovolcanic eruptions and landscapes through large-scale experiments,” was published on March 17, 2021, in Nature Communications, volume 12, article 1711. Read the paper.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What did the lava-flow experiment show?
At the Syracuse University Lava Project, researchers conducted large-scale experiments with metallic and silicate flows. Under the tested conditions, the metallic melt was denser and less viscous than the silicate lava, and it traveled about ten times faster. In one documented experimental flow, the measured speeds were approximately 0.41 meters per second for the metal and 0.04 meters per second for the silicate. These are laboratory measurements, not predictions of how fast lava would move on an asteroid.
#1 Best Overall
- Batteries Included: Each volcano toy comes with three AA batteries,1 water container and a small screwdriver. Ready to play when kids receive this volcano eruption gift. this is a great volcano kit for science projects, science learning, and volcano simulation.
- Simulated Eruption Volcano:The volcanic system uses three AA (1.5V) batteries. You only need to add water into the tank inlet on the top of the volcano, and turn on the switch. The crater will spout the mist with a light effect, which steamed like a volcano about to erupt. The lava looks even better in the dark!
- Great Addition to Dinosaur Collection: This volcano also has a roaring realistic dinosaur sounds. Kids can combine this volcano model with other dinosaur figures, fossils, play mats, and more to build their own theme park. Great for birthday party, Christmas stocking stuffers, holiday gifts.
- Works Great: The surface texture of the volcano model is clear, and its shape is very similar to the real volcano. The mist comes out in a steady level. The light and steam feature is fantastic and is holding up well, convenient for children to use.
- Safe Materials: The volcano set is easy to use. Once the experiment is finished, let it dry for a few minutes and will be ready to store away. The volcano and the materials needed are non-toxic, safe for children, and the kit is suitable for kids ages 3 and up.
The two materials did not simply mix into one flow. The metallic melt was largely decoupled from the silicate: it traveled mainly through braided channels beneath the silicate flow, then emerged near the silicate flow’s front. The Syracuse University Lava Project lists the study among its research publications. See the project’s publications.
How might metal flows differ from familiar lava?
| Feature | Silicate flow | Metallic flow in the experiment |
|---|---|---|
| Material behavior | Less dense and more viscous than the metallic melt in the tested conditions. | Denser and less viscous than the silicate lava in the tested conditions. |
| Relative speed | About 0.04 m/s in one documented laboratory flow. | About 0.41 m/s in that same documented laboratory flow; the study reports metal moving about ten times faster under its tested conditions. |
| Flow pattern | Thicker, more compact flow in the comparison described by the researchers. | Thin, low-relief braided channels, largely beneath the silicate flow and breaking out near its front. |
| Evidence status | Observed in the laboratory experiment. | Observed in the laboratory experiment; proposed planetary landforms remain hypothetical. |
The experiments suggest that metal-rich eruptions could leave thinner, lower-relief and more braided features than familiar silicate flows. If similar features were identified on a planetary surface, they might help scientists investigate whether metallic melt had once moved there. A resemblance alone would not establish that an eruption occurred.
Rank #2
- 9 Collectable Dinosaurs - Contains 9 prehistoric monsters from the Jurassic era: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Giganotosaurus, Therizinosaurus, Stegosaurus, Velociraptor, Acrocanthosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Dimetrodon.
- 2-in-1 Volcano - The volcano is composed of two parts, the bottom is hollow, which can accommodate dinosaurs. The volcano with light, music, and spray water mist on the top, it can mimic a volcanic eruption. (3*AA battery required)
- Safe Materials – All dinosaurs are made with BPA and phthalates free material, and they were colored by hand. Volcano model is made with durable ABS, this play set is suitable for kids 3 years old and up.
- Adventure and Exploration - Children can spend a happy time with the big volcano and many prehistoric creatures. This set of volcano toys can cultivate children's exploration spirit.
- Good Quality & Satisfied Service - This set of toys is the best gift for dinosaur enthusiasts. We promise will do our best to make sure that you and your little one are 100% satisfied with this purchase!
Could 16 Psyche have metal volcanoes?
Asteroid 16 Psyche is relevant to the hypothesis because it is metal-rich. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory describes the Psyche mission as studying an asteroid whose surface contains substantial metal, with the goal of improving understanding of iron cores and planet formation. Learn about NASA’s Psyche mission.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →That context makes Psyche a body of interest; it does not confirm ancient volcanoes there. The 2021 experiments show how metal and silicate behaved in a particular laboratory setup. Applying those results to another world requires assumptions about its materials, gravity, temperatures and surface conditions. The study did not observe an alien eruption or establish that Psyche—or any other planetary body—has ferrovolcanic features.
Rank #3
- From the blockbuster film
- A figure of the Cloned Queen’s most loyal and valued servant
- Movie-accurate detail
- Stands approximately 5.1” tall
- Special figure stand included
What would an eruption on another world look like?
The experiment offers a physical basis for one possible answer: a fast-moving metallic component could travel in braided channels, partly hidden beneath silicate lava, and emerge near the flow’s leading edge. Such a process might leave thin, branching or braided patterns rather than the thicker, more compact shapes associated with familiar silicate flows.
Those are hypotheses about what researchers might look for, not a description of a confirmed landscape. Ferrovolcanism remains predicted and unobserved directly. The experiment narrows possibilities by showing how these materials flowed under tested conditions, while observations of planetary surfaces would be needed to assess whether any candidate features fit the idea.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- OUR BIGGEST VOLCANO EVER - This jumbo volcano kit is our biggest yet at nearly 2 feet tall! Astound friends, family, and classmates with the stunning size and exciting eruption experiments! It's the perfect hands-on experiment for any science fair.
- EASY SETUP - Kid-friendly instructions make this jumbo volcano easy to make and erupt. Layer the plaster wrap over the frame, add plaster, and once it's dry, paint it and erupt it again and again!
- MORE ERUPTIONS, MORE FUN – This kids science kit comes with 3 packets of eruption powder plus pop crystals that add exciting crackling sounds. Instructions for more eruptions from household materials are also included.
- EVERYTHING KIDS NEED - Our jumbo volcano kit has everything kids need for an amazing science project, including the volcano mold, plaster mix and tint, two paint colors, paintbrush, and more. Genuine geode and pumice specimens are also included!
- AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS - Blue Marble, winner of the Toy Association's prestigious Toy of the Year Award, proudly develops products that foster education, imagination, and creativity, with a U.S. support team to ensure a stellar experience!
Rank #4
- Safe Materials: The materials are used to make the volcano model Toy are green ABS environmentally friendly materials, children can have fun with it confidently.
- Vivid Shape: The surface texture of the model is clear, and its shape is very similar to the real volcano. And the volcano toy can be cleaned by being wiped with water.
- Great Smoke: Inject water into the mouth of the water storage zone of the model, then press the power button, the crater will spout the spray, it steamed like a volcano about to erupt.It’s so cool!
- Works great: The mist comes out in a steady level. The light and steam feature is fantastic and is holding up well, convenient for children to use.
- Great Addition to Dinosaur Collection:The volcano model is perfect for birthday party, Christmas, holiday gift. Suit for a decoration display for dinosaur party. It’s cute and a good size.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
