Watch: When lava flowing over snow stuns the internet—the science behind it

A video capturing lava flowing over snow-covered ground in Iceland has gone viral, puzzling viewers with the lack of steam. Photographer Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove explained that the phenomenon, known as the Leidenfrost effect, occurs when a liquid encounters a surface much hotter than its boiling point, creating a vapor layer that prevents immediate evaporation and reduces friction.