Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, Fifth Series, No. 113, Vol. III, February 27, 1886

Delve into the dramatic world of volcanic forces that shape entire continents, far beyond the familiar peaks of Vesuvius and Etna. This engaging essay introduces readers to the colossal “fissure eruptions” that have spewed molten rock across hundreds of miles, creating vast basalt plains that dwarf the classic lava fields of Italy. By tracing the pioneering work of early geologists and the bold observations of Richthofen, the narrative reveals how these hidden cracks rewrite our understanding of Earth’s fiery temperament.

The focus shifts to the spectacular Snake River plateau, a black sea of lava spreading across Idaho, Oregon, and Washington—an expanse as large as France and Great Britain combined. Through vivid descriptions of the uniform basalt landscape, the winding Snake River canyon, and the puzzling absence of typical volcanic craters, the piece invites listeners to imagine a world where molten rivers once flowed like water, flattening terrain and forging a unique geological masterpiece.