Tuya

A tuya is a fascinating geological formation characterized by its flat-topped, steep-sided structure. These unique volcanoes emerge when lava erupts through thick glaciers or ice sheets, creating a rare spectacle that is confined to regions where glacial coverage and volcanic activity coincided.

The process of tuya formation is intriguing; as lava erupts beneath a glacier, it cools rapidly and cannot travel far. Instead, it accumulates into a steep-sided hill. If the volcanic activity persists long enough, it either melts the surrounding ice or breaks through the top, resulting in typical lava flows that cap the hill with a flat surface.

Studying tuya formations has proven invaluable for scientists, particularly in reconstructing historical glacial ice extents and thicknesses. By discovering and dating the lava flows associated with these structures, researchers can gain insights into past climatic conditions and the dynamics of glacial movements.