> Classification of bombs <
Ribbon or cylindrical bombs form from highly to moderately fluid magma ejected as ropes and irregular droplets. The ropes break into small segments that fall intact to the ground, resembling ribbons—hence the name "ribbon bombs." These bombs have a circular or flattened cross-section, are fluted along their length, and contain tabular vesicles.
Spherical bombs also form from highly to moderately fluid magma. With spherical bombs, surface tension plays a major role in pulling the ejecta into spheres.
Fusiform, spindle-shaped, or almond-shaped (rotational) bombs form through the same processes as spherical bombs, though the key difference is that the shape is not perfectly spherical. Rotation during flight gives these bombs an elongated or almond-like appearance; the rotational theory behind their formation also earned them the name "spindle bombs." Fusiform bombs are characterized by longitudinal fluting and one side that is slightly smoother and broader than the other. This smooth side represents the underside of the bomb as it falls through the air.
Cow-pie bombs form when highly fluid magma falls from a moderate height, meaning the bombs do not solidify before impact (they are still liquid when they hit the ground). Consequently, they flatten or splash out to form irregular, rounded discs resembling cow dung.
Bread-crust bombs form if the exterior of the lava bombs solidifies during flight. They may develop cracked outer surfaces as the interior continues to expand.
Hollow bombs are bombs consisting of a lava shell enclosing a core of previously solidified lava. The core consists of accessory fragments from an earlier eruption, accidental fragments of country rock, or, in rare cases, pieces of lava formed earlier during the same eruption.