Volcanism Driver (IMAGE) Columbia Climate School Caption Fresh lava from a 2006 Pacific seafloor eruption, lain over older lava. Scientists studying the eruption have determined that the main cause was basically a tear in Earth's crust. Credit Dan Fornari/WHOI Usage Restrictions Credit must be given. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.