ScienceAugust 30, 2026

hyaloclastite

HY-uh-loh-klas-tite

Definition

A type of sedimentary rock formed by the fragmentation of volcanic glass during explosive underwater eruptions.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'hyalos' (glass) and 'klastos' (broken), describing a rock made of fragmented volcanic glass.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe older geological formations found along the periphery of the Thingvellir basin, distinguishing them from more recent lava flows.

Thingvellir between law, lava and shifting continents

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