Merapi Update for 10/29/2010: Lava flows from the crater

Merapi is showing no signs of slowing down, but some of the eruptive activity has changed in its character. The first reports of lava at the summit area came in overnight, meaning that this eruption that, thus far, had been dominantly explosive is taking on a more effusive character. This might suggest [speculation] that the initial explosions were clearly out a slug of magma that was highly charged with gases at the top of the conduit - popping a cork, almost - and now less volatile-rich (thus less explosive) magma is making its way to the surface [/speculation]. This might mean that the eruption will be "less hazardous" to the surrounding area if the eruption remains lava flows (however, if domes of lava build, the threat of pyroclastic flows still remains high from dome collapse). You can see the lava on many of the most recent photos of the volcano (see below). Don't be fooled: although lava is erupting, there does appear to be significant ash production as well.