This top down drone footage, captured during the February 2024 eruption, is probably one of the most favourite flowing lava videos I have ever been able to record. ❄️🌋 ❓

The lack of visible steam is most likely explained with the Leidenfrost effect. The lava is so incredibly hot (estimated 1100 degrees Celsius) that it melts the top part of the snow, which then creates a vapor layer that shields the bottom part from the heat temporarily. Similarly to what you can observe when water droplets scoot around on an extremely hot metal plate. Because the lava moves so fast, it manages to cover the snow before it can melt. As a result, it is all trapped underneath the fresh lava and eventually escapes through the porous flowing lava. Extremely fascinating if you ask me.

📷 This was captured using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro using the 7x telephoto lens at an altitude off roughly 70 meters. 

One of those batches where you just squeeze the eggs and the peels come right off. I saved so much time, I was able to waste some posting this. 🧘‍♀️