A
lateral eruption, also called a
flank eruption or
lateral blast if explosive, is a
volcanic eruption that takes place on the flanks of a
volcano instead of at the summit. Lateral eruptions are typical at
rift zones where a volcano is breaking apart. Since it is easier for molten rock to flow laterally out the sides of weak
flanks, the flank gives way before magma is pushed up through a conduit that feeds magma to the summit. These features are commonly found at
shield volcanoes and produce
basaltic lava flows and
cinder cones.