An additional volcanic feature to watch for is an abundance of spatter cones. They are reminiscent of an empty candleholder covered with dry wax. These vents are geological satellites around the central eruption fissure. Lava, smoke and ash spew from these openings, partially cool while airborne, then fall back as dripping globs. Successive layers ooze down the sides forming these circular mounds. The height of a spatter cone varies from a few feet to ten or more.
