"Captivating Crystal Lava Shards Unveil Volcano's Hidden Realm"

Scientists are studying the crystals found within the lava of the 2021 eruption on the Spanish island of La Palma to gain insights into the volcano's underground processes. These crystals act as "four dimensional videos" of a volcano's past, present, and future, revealing the type of magma and its storage locations. By analyzing the crystals, scientists can forecast the type of eruption that may occur and provide valuable information for emergency response teams. This research marks a shift towards prospective petrology, allowing scientists to better understand and predict volcanic activity.